US Army installs nuclear microreactors on bases
The US armed forces plan to build over 20 nuclear microreactors on domestic military bases. With investments amounting to billions, the future energy supply is to be secured independently of civil power grids.
Reactors for military bases
The US Department of Defense is investing around $2.2 billion (around €1.9 billion) in the construction of more than 20 nuclear microreactors. The first systems at five domestic military bases are scheduled to go into operation by the end of September 2028 in order to meet a government requirement. The aim of the project is to maintain the armed forces’ energy supply in the event of potential civilian power grid failures and to reduce logistical dependence on fossil fuels such as diesel.
For the implementation, five technology companies were selected to develop and operate their own reactor concepts. The locations are spread across Antares Nuclear for Fort Bragg, BWXT Advanced Technologies for Fort Campbell, General Atomics for Fort Hood, Radiant Industries for Fort Benning and Westinghouse for Fort Drum. The systems remain in the property of the contractors and are expected to produce an output of one to 20 megawatts.
The Janus program
The project is called the Janus program and builds on previous energy research. As the U.S. Army reported, the companies only receive their compensation if they successfully complete technical milestones. In addition to military use, the government hopes that the engineers involved will also be able to open up commercial markets for small reactors in the long term through the funding program. Proponents emphasize the technical advantages: the compact systems could work for years without new fuel and would safely shut down in the event of a malfunction.
Critics, however, complain about the high costs. They see the project as a subsidy for concepts that have not yet found buyers in the private sector. Experts also warn of regulatory risks since approval is granted by the military itself and not by the responsible civilian US nuclear regulatory authority.
Dealing with nuclear waste
A central aspect of the use of nuclear energy remains the disposal of radioactive waste. According to official statements, the military does not plan to store the material long-term at the respective bases. Instead, the Ministry of Energy should take over the removal and safe storage. The planned test operation from 2028 will show whether the technology actually proves itself in everyday military life and offers the hoped-for reliability without incalculable risks.
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