Fission Frontier: Exploring Next-Gen Nuclear Technology in Eastern Idaho

Zach Egbert

Eastern Idaho has long been synonymous with nuclear research, but today the region is entering a new era – one defined by innovation and growth.

Underscoring this momentum are two key developments: A partnership between Idaho Falls Power and Aalo Atomics on a first-of-its-kind microreactor project, and the major expansion of Radnostix, a longtime local manufacturer of radioisotopes for medical and industrial use. Together, they demonstrate that Eastern Idaho is becoming one of the most important places in the country for next-generation nuclear innovation.

New Model for Nuclear Technology in Eastern Idaho

In September 2024, Aalo Atomics and Idaho Falls Power agreed to work together on plans for seven small, factory-built nuclear reactors that would provide about 75 megawatts of clean energy. If the project moves forward, these would become the first commercially deployed, factory-made microreactors in the U.S.

“Aalo is thrilled to explore a partnership with Idaho Falls Power to serve customers with reliable, clean electricity,” says Mat Loszak, CEO of Aalo. “The ‘Aalo Pod’, our power plant comprising five Aalo-1 reactors connected to a shared balance of plant, is a great fit for the area, given the perfect match in power output and modern inherent safety features.”

Each Aalo-1 unit is designed and assembled at the company’s Austin, Texas, factory. Centralized manufacturing means standardized components, predictable quality and shorter deployment schedules. Large nuclear plants can take up to a decade to build; factory manufacturing aims to change that paradigm.

Robert Gallagher

Why Idaho Falls?

The partnership is no accident. Idaho Falls is home to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) – the nation’s premier nuclear research center – and enjoys strong support for nuclear energy. Several advanced reactor technologies are already under construction or evaluation in the region.

“Idaho is the birthplace of modern nuclear energy, and it is where the future of nuclear energy begins, too,” says Yasir Arafat, chief technical officer of Aalo. “Aalo Atomics is honored to partner with the Idaho National Lab to advance our company’s state-of-the-art research, build critical test facilities and soon demonstrate our first advanced reactor in Idaho. We view Idaho Falls as the perfect launchpad for our first commercial deployment, as public support and a deep understanding of nuclear energy are strong here.”

Aalo Atomics is taking a phased approach designed to ensure that each step can be validated scientifically and financially. First, the company is building Aalo-0, a non-nuclear test reactor, at its Austin headquarters.

Next, Aalo will construct Aalo-X, an experimental nuclear reactor at INL. Then, after meeting specific milestones, full deployment with Idaho Falls Power will proceed.

This shared risk-reduction model protects both partners and gives communities confidence in the emerging technology. If approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the first group of reactors could be online before the end of the 2020s, ushering in what could become an 80-year collaboration.

Courtesy of Radnostix

Radnostix Expands

Eastern Idaho’s nuclear resurgence isn’t just about generating power. Another longtime Idaho Falls company – Radnostix (formerly International Isotopes) is expanding to meet rising global demand for nuclear-based medical and industrial products, including radiopharmaceuticals used in imaging and cancer therapy, calibration sources that ensure medical equipment performs accurately and specialized isotopes used across manufacturing.

In January 2025, the company purchased land adjacent to its current facility and signed a lease for an additional 8,600-square-foot building. This new space will allow the company to double its operational capacity, broaden its product lines and strengthen manufacturing.

“We need to always think a few steps forward and ensure we can seize on the opportunities that present themselves,” says Shahe Bagerdjian, president and CEO of Radnostix. “These two additions will help us continue to strengthen our theranostics, nuclear medicine, cobalt and medical devices segments.”

Radnostix supplies customers worldwide, from cancer-therapy isotopes to precision calibration sources for nuclear medicine imaging. With INL anchoring the region, a supportive local utility, strong public buy-in and companies taking pragmatic, phased steps toward commercialization, Idaho Falls is emerging as a national model for how the U.S. can safely and successfully scale next-generation nuclear technologies.