Amir Afzali Joins Aalo as VP of Regulatory Affairs

Introducing Amir Afzali as VP of Regulatory Affairs at Aalo Atomics

We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Aalo Atomics team, Amir Afzali, who joins us as our Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. Amir brings an exceptional wealth of experience, having spent over 30 years in the nuclear industry and over 40 years applying Risk-Informed/Performance-Based (RIPB) techniques to advance the field. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we navigate the regulatory landscape and work towards making nuclear energy a cornerstone of clean, reliable, and affordable power.

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Amir’s Journey in Nuclear

Amir has been a strong advocate for nuclear energy due to its exceptional potential to support rapid and sustainable growth worldwide, resulting in a higher standard of living for all, by providing abundant, clean, and affordable energy.  Drawing on over 40 years of national and international experience as a consultant and in various roles within utilities—including subject-matter expert, supervisor, manager, and senior director—Amir has concluded that one of the most effective ways to unlock the potential of nuclear energy is to implement risk-informed and performance-based (RIDM) methods in the design, construction, and operation of nuclear energy generating systems. Therefore, Amir has dedicated himself to being a driving force in guiding both the private and public sectors on critical regulatory and policy issues that promote and facilitate the use of Risk-Informed Decision-Making methods. His efforts include collaborating with national and international regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to develop frameworks and guidelines that support the adoption of RIDM approaches, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and innovative energy future.

Notable examples of Amir’s recent contributions, as the Policy and Licensing Director at Southern Company Services, include his role as the principal investigator for the Licensing Modernization Project (LMP) and the Technology Inclusive Content of Application Project (TICAP). Both initiatives received endorsement from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The outcomes of these projects have been instrumental in establishing a rational, safety-focused framework for advanced reactors, setting new standards within the industry.

Prior to his tenure at Southern Company Services, Amir was the Risk-Informed Engineering Department Director at Southern Nuclear Company. His collaborative efforts with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and industry partners led to the successful piloting of several RIPB programs. These initiatives not only enhanced the safety and operational flexibility of Southern Company’s nuclear fleet but also generated substantial cost savings, paving the way for other utilities to adopt these groundbreaking programs.

Amir’s extensive career also includes roles at Diablo Canyon Power Plant, Dominion Energy, and several consulting firms. In each position, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation and implement practical, forward-thinking strategies that push the nuclear industry forward.

Looking Ahead with Aalo

At Aalo Atomics, Amir will play a pivotal role in shaping our regulatory strategies as we advance toward the deployment of our innovative micro-reactors. His profound understanding of regulatory frameworks, coupled with his strategic vision, will be essential as we aim to achieve our ambitious goals.

Amir’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that Aalo Atomics not only meets but exceeds regulatory expectations, thereby facilitating the broader adoption of our technology. His extensive experience and proven track record will enable us to cultivate strong relationships with regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, all while upholding our commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence.

We are confident that Amir’s contributions will accelerate our mission to become a leader in clean energy and bolster the U.S.’s national interest in being a global leader in the design and deployment of nuclear energy systems. We are excited to welcome him aboard as we continue our journey toward a sustainable future.