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Army Goes Nuclear: Tiny Reactors for Bases
27 Aug
Summary
- Army awards $2.2 billion for five companies to build micro-nuclear reactors.
- These tiny reactors aim to power remote military installations by 2028.
- Reactors will be regulated by the Army, not the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The U.S. Army has committed up to $2.2 billion to five companies to develop and operate micro-nuclear reactors on military bases. The goal is to power remote installations, with the first reactor targeted for deployment by September 2028.
These small, factory-built nuclear plants, capable of generating up to 20 megawatts each, are seen as a potential solution for powering distant sites like those in Alaska or on islands. The Army's Janus program aims to make this technology a commercial product.
While these microreactors will adhere to all commercial reactor environmental and safety rules, they will be regulated by the Army itself. This initiative is expected to drive down costs and attract private sector investment, with companies like Radiant anticipating commercial applications for data centers around 2030.
