US Army to spend $2 billion on nuclear microreactors for bases
The US Army has announced a plan to install what it calls nuclear microreactors at five of its bases across the country. The move would ensure the facilities' energy independence from the rest of the electric grid.
The U.S. Army announced it will allocate $2.2 billion to five companies for constructing and operating small nuclear reactors at military bases, with the goal of deploying the first reactor by the end of 2028. These microreactors, each capable of producing up to 20 megawatts of power, will adhere to environmental and safety regulations similar to those of commercial reactors, but will be overseen by the Army instead of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army, emphasized that the ultimate objective is to create a commercial product. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stated that the awards will expedite the military's provision of reliable baseload power directly to installations, enhancing energy resilience without depending on external grids.
The Army has selected Radiant, BWXT, and other firms to implement the Janus program at its bases. Critics argue that microreactors are costly compared to conventional reactors, while safety advocates highlight the inherent risks of nuclear technology. The Army acknowledged that microreactors would safely shut down in case of failure and that there would be no long-term storage of radioactive waste on installations.
The program is part of a broader effort to accelerate nuclear power development in the U.S., with President Trump aiming to quadruple nuclear energy production.
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