Advanced nuclear technology firm Hadron Energy announced on Monday that it has engaged the global law firm DLA Piper to lead its government affairs and federal policy and funding strategy. This move is designed to pave the way for the licensing and commercial deployment of its Halo Micro Modular Reactor.

The DLA Piper team assembled for this engagement is highly experienced, including former U.S. Senator Richard Burr, who previously chaired the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Oliver Wright, a partner in the firm's Energy and Natural Resources practice; and Adrian Zuckerman, the former U.S. Ambassador to Romania. This team will assist Hadron Energy in developing federal policy strategies and securing government funding.

Hadron Energy founder and CEO Sam Gibson stated that the commercialization progress of the Halo MMR depends significantly on federal funding support and strategic positioning, which are as critical as the engineering technology. DLA Piper brings extensive experience at the highest levels of the U.S. government and in financing major global energy and nuclear projects.

The Halo is a compact, factory-fabricated light water reactor with a single-unit power output of 10 megawatts, featuring a multi-year refueling cycle and a 50-year design life. This reactor utilizes established light water technology, consistent with the technical basis of all operational commercial nuclear reactors in the United States, thereby avoiding the technical risks associated with experimental designs. The entire system can be factory-assembled and tested within a year, transported to site by truck or rail, and be operational within months. Target applications include military bases, AI data centers, industrial parks, and remote communities with urgent needs for reliable, clean power.

Hadron Energy is pursuing a dual-track path through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a manufacturing license and a combined operating license. The company has previously had its quality assurance program description accepted by the NRC and has submitted a white paper on key design criteria.