The Fantastic Four of Nuclear Energy: Inside DOE’s Bold Nuclear Bet
America’s nuclear future takes shape as the Department of Energy backs four companies to launch advanced fuel production lines and forge a new era of energy independence.

In a decisive move to bolster America’s nuclear energy capabilities, the US Department of Energy has named four companies to spearhead its new Fuel Line Pilot Program. The selections—Terrestrial Energy, TRISO-X, Valar Atomics, and Oklo—mark a defining moment in the nation’s quest to establish a resilient domestic supply chain for advanced nuclear fuels. Announced on October 1, 2025, this initiative arrives as part of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14301, a sweeping policy aimed at rebuilding America’s nuclear independence.
The Fuel Line Pilot Program: A Strategic Foundation
Launched in May, the Fuel Line Pilot Program was created to address the chronic shortage of domestic nuclear fuel resources, an issue that has hampered the progress of next-generation reactor technologies. The program works hand in hand with the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program, which includes 11 reactor designs under development, three of which are expected to reach criticality by July 4, 2026.
By streamlining the DOE’s authorization process, the pilot program allows selected companies to construct and operate nuclear fuel production lines with unprecedented speed. The goal is clear—to transition the United States from reliance on foreign fuel sources toward self-sufficiency in nuclear technology and clean power.
