US startup Valar Atomics demonstrates functioning nuclear reactor (heise.de)

• Valar Atomics demonstrates Ward 250 reactor, powers Nvidia Blackwell chip.
• HTGR using TRISO fuel and HALEU, helium cooling at 750°C.
• Built in California, transported by US Air Force to Utah.
• Achieved criticality; first nuclear startup to produce electricity.
• Partnership with Nvidia for water-free nuclear-powered AI.
• Context: US nuclear startups; tech giants secure nuclear for AI data centers.

"Valar Atomics has demonstrated its Ward 250 reactor by powering an Nvidia Blackwell chip. The gas-cooled high-temperature reactor (HTGR) uses TRISO fuel with HALEU uranium, operates at 750°C, and is cooled with helium. Built in California, it was transported by the US Air Force to Utah for testing, where it reached criticality recently. Valar Atomics also announced a partnership with Nvidia to develop AI systems powered by nuclear energy without water. The demonstration positions Valar as the first among US nuclear startups to produce electricity. The 5 MW reactor is part of a broader trend of tech companies seeking nuclear power for AI data centers."