Paragon D&E

On June 18, 2026, Valar Atomics’ Ward250 reactor achieved criticality becoming the second advanced reactor in the United States to hit the milestone set by Executive Order 14301, and the first DOE-authorized reactor designed, built and operated entirely outside the national laboratory system at the Utah San Rafael Energy Laboratory in 12 months. Paragon D&E was proud to be one of the participants partners behind the scenes.

What PDE Provided

• Certified Model USA/9979/Type AF packaging — PDE’s patented & most successful nuclear packaging
• Engineering, fabrication, and delivery of graphite fuel core protective packing needed for shipping
• Lifting devices and handling support for safe transport
• In place contracting agreement with SRNL permitting expedited fuel core safety analysis in the 9979: Idaho National Laboratory (INL) → Utah San Rafael Energy Laboratory (SREL)

Strategic Partners on This Project

• Battelle Savannah River Alliance/Savannah River National Laboratory & DOE/SR— 9979 SARP Design Authority
• Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Tetratech HEI – Nuclear Criticality Evaluation Support
  (fuel core analysis)
• United States Military (Air Force Operation Windlord) – Ward250 reactor transport in C-17 Globemaster
• Idaho National Laboraroty, NCERC& LANL— Ward250 fuel supply and core loading and transportation
  (INL → SREL)
• DOE’s Packaging Certification Program and Argonne National Laboratory — DOE Packaging Review and Certification

Why It Matters

The Unites States Government, National Laboratories and Commercial resources strategically working together to reach a common goal in an unprecedented timeline without compromising on safety or security.  PDE’s certified, ready-to-deploy packaging let Valar Atomics focus on reactor engineering resources itself
& helping a strategic partner meet an aggressive presidential deadline without compromising on safety
or certification.