Energy Department says advanced nuclear reactor first to reach critical milestone

A small Antares microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached criticality, a key step toward producing electricity.
Antares says it could begin generating power by late 2027 and see field deployments (initially for the military) by the end of 2028.
The milestone fits a government push to fast‑track advanced nuclear — hailed as a comeback by supporters but criticized over safety, cost and unresolved waste issues.