The US Navy is turning to a portable nuclear microreactor to power a key military base even if the lights go out
US Navy chooses truck-portable nuclear microreactor to keep its weapons base in Indiana running during blackouts, but the reactor must first prove itself at full power in Idaho.
The US Navy has chosen Radiant's 1MW Kaleidos microreactor to power its Naval Weapons Station Crane in Indiana, ensuring critical systems remain operational during potential grid outages. Kaleidos, a factory-built, helium-cooled, TRISO-fueled reactor rated at 1MW, is designed to be transported to the base via road, sea, or air. Radiant Industries, a California startup, has been selected to design, build, and deliver the microreactor power plant.
The Navy aims to have Kaleidos operational by September 2028, providing a portable nuclear reactor that can maintain critical naval support systems, even if the commercial grid fails. The 1MW capacity may seem modest for a large installation, but the Navy emphasizes that the reactors will not be the sole power source and will continue to be connected to the grid.
Critics argue that the model poses risks, such as transporting irradiated fuel on public roads. However, the Navy's decision demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the reliability of its most important weapons installations, even in the face of potential power disruptions.
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