Additional Coverage:
- US Army plans nuclear microreactors at 5 military bases as part of $2.2B energy security push (foxbusiness.com)
The U.S. Army is advancing a major initiative to deploy nuclear microreactors at five military installations, aiming to bolster energy security and lessen dependence on external power grids that may be vulnerable. This move is part of a multibillion-dollar program designed to ensure reliable, resilient power supply for critical defense operations.
On Wednesday, the Army revealed that its Janus Program has awarded contracts totaling up to $2.2 billion to five nuclear energy companies. These companies will own, construct, and operate microreactors at bases located in North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, and New York.
This development aligns with a September 2028 goal established by a presidential executive order under former President Donald Trump, which calls for the first Army-regulated nuclear reactor to be operational on a military installation.
The Army anticipates that, combined with private sector investments, more than 20 microreactors will eventually be deployed across various Department of Defense sites.
The initial contracts are granted to Antares Nuclear for a reactor at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; BWXT Advanced Technologies for Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems at Fort Hood, Texas. Meanwhile, Radiant Industries will install a reactor at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Westinghouse Government Services will do the same at Fort Drum, New York.
Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll highlighted the critical nature of dependable energy for military readiness, stating, “Our mandate has been clear: secure the power our warfighters need to train, deploy, and win.” He added that awarding these contracts will speed the delivery of safe, consistent baseload power directly to military installations, enhancing the Army’s ability to project combat power globally without relying on potentially vulnerable external grids.
Funding for the program will be disbursed between fiscal years 2027 and 2031, contingent on companies meeting specific technical milestones. Each contractor is also expected to provide substantial private capital investment.
In selecting the five sites, the Army conducted a thorough year-long evaluation, considering factors such as energy demand, geological stability, and safety.
Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, emphasized the program’s long-term vision. “We want reactors capable of operating continuously for years, not just brief demonstrations,” he said. The goal is to develop reliable, affordable nuclear microreactors that can be marketed beyond military use.
The Army noted that these initial installations represent just the beginning. Additional Army and other military service locations are expected to be announced as the program progresses.
Owen West, director of the Department of War Innovation Unit, underscored the urgency, stating, “We need more power, delivered faster, cheaper, and with greater reliability. Janus is accelerating military energy production to safeguard the nation.”
This ambitious effort reflects the Army’s commitment to modernizing its energy infrastructure to ensure mission-critical operations remain uninterrupted in an increasingly complex global security environment.