Aalo Atomics, the developer of sodium‑cooled extra‑modular reactors (XMRs) designed to power AI data centers, signed a fuel‑fabrication agreement on March 3 2026 with Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF). The contract gives GNF the right to produce the fuel rods that will enable Aalo’s XMRs to reach criticality in 2026, marking a key milestone for the company’s first experimental reactor, the Aalo‑X.
The deal places GE Vernova at the center of the U.S. advanced nuclear fuel supply chain. Through its GE Vernova‑Led alliance, which includes Hitachi and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, GE Vernova is expanding beyond gas turbines and grid equipment into the nuclear domain, positioning itself to supply fuel for next‑generation reactors that meet the growing energy demands of AI data centers and other high‑power customers.
"The Aalo designed fuel rods, fabricated by GNF, are fundamental to Aalo‑X achieving criticality in 2026," said Yasir Arafat, CTO of Aalo Atomics. "GNF comes to the table with decades of proven fuel fabrication experience, and with GNF's help, we believe that we can power up data centers in months, not decades, and grow our factory output to exceed gigawatt‑levels," added Arafat. Sarah Ortman, Product Director for Advanced Nuclear Fuels at GNF, noted, "We are excited to support Aalo in its mission to achieve criticality of Aalo‑X in 2026 and beyond." She further explained, "Building on decades of experience supplying fuel to the global BWR fleet, GNF brings proven manufacturing excellence, rigorous quality programs, and a highly skilled workforce. Our flexible facilities and expertise position us to reliably deliver both today's BWR fuel and advanced fuel products needed to advance other innovative designs in support of the nation’s nuclear industry."
The contract signals a strategic shift for GE Vernova, reinforcing its comprehensive electrification platform and opening a new revenue stream in the advanced nuclear market. By securing a role in the fuel supply chain for Aalo’s XMRs, GE Vernova positions itself to capture demand from AI data centers, a sector that requires reliable, carbon‑free power. The partnership also underscores GE Vernova’s long‑standing expertise in nuclear technology, including its BWRX‑300 design, and demonstrates the company’s ability to leverage its alliances to enter emerging markets.
Global Nuclear Fuel operates fuel‑fabrication facilities in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Kurihama, Japan, and is licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to produce fuel for boiling‑water reactors. Aalo Atomics’ XMRs are sodium‑cooled and designed to bridge the gap between microreactors and small modular reactors, offering a scalable solution for high‑power applications. The collaboration between Aalo, GNF, and GE Vernova’s alliance is expected to accelerate the deployment of advanced reactors that can power data centers in months rather than decades, aligning with the broader trend of decarbonizing high‑energy‑intensive industries.
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