By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Image courtesy of Valar Atomics

With the arrival of its Ward-250 Reactor to the San Rafael Energy Research Lab, preparations are underway for Valar Atomics to turn on the test reactor by July 4, a challenge issued by President Donald Trump. 

As the community eagerly awaits, Valar seeks to make the world of nuclear energy more accessible through a community open house on Thursday, Feb. 26.

“We believe the best way to address questions about new energy infrastructure is through transparency,” said Max Ukropina, head of projects at Valar Atomics. “We want our neighbors to see the facility firsthand, speak directly with our engineers, and understand exactly what we are building and why.”

In a press release announcing the open house, the company echoed this sentiment of transparency: “Valar Atomics remains committed to working closely with local leadership and maintaining an open dialogue with the surrounding community as development progresses.”

At the open house, community members will be able to speak directly with the engineers responsible for the project to learn more about the reactor and the technology it uses.

Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the Valar facility and hear from company leadership and the Emery County Commissioners.

The open house comes after the Ward-250 reactor arrived in Utah on Sunday, Feb. 15, after being transported by C-17 from California. The same week, the Emery County Commissioners approved a letter of support for Valar by a 3-0 vote. 

The reactor, once turned on, will not be used to produce commercial energy; it will be used for testing and to train future workers at the lab.

Valar Atomics’ community open house takes place on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the San Rafael Energy Research Lab. To RSVP for the event, click here.