Valor Atomics and Orangeville energy lab outline small test reactor plan; residents press safety, jobs and outreach questions

Representatives of Valor Atomics and leaders of the Center for Energy Lab in Orangeville presented details of a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with Emery County and answered residents’ questions at a public town-hall meeting.

The lab’s director said the MOU “explore[s] putting a nuclear reactor, a nuclear test reactor, as well as fuel manufacturing at the lab in Orangeville,” and that a formal contract is still in development. Company representatives told the audience the plan is to operate a research/test unit with fuel on site under a Department of Energy licensing pathway and that they aim to bring the test reactor to criticality by July 4 next year.

Why it matters: the plan would place a pilot nuclear test reactor and a small fuel‑manufacturing line at a state research site in Orangeville, a county with an economy long tied to fossil fuels. Supporters said the project could bring years of construction activity and local operations jobs; critics and many residents urged more outreach and demanded clear, written commitments on safety, water handling, waste management and long‑term community benefits.

Details given at the meeting

• Status and timeline: The Center for Energy Lab official said the MOU is nonbinding and a contract is “in development.” Company speakers said they are working with the Department of Energy and expect the licensing path tied to a recent presidential executive order could allow the test reactor to run by July 4 next year. A county official later described the initial project window as two to three years and said the site would be decommissioned at the…