The U.S. Army has announced plans to award up to $2.2 billion to five companies for the development of microreactors—small-scale nuclear power units—at military bases across the country. This initiative aims to advance the deployment of compact nuclear reactors capable of providing reliable electricity to remote installations, marking the largest expansion of U.S. nuclear power efforts in over 30 years.
The contracts, announced Wednesday, will fund projects at five Army installations: Fort Bragg in North Carolina (Antares Nuclear), Fort Campbell in Kentucky (BWX Technologies), Fort Hood in Texas (General Atomics), Fort Benning in Georgia (Radiant Industries), and Fort Drum in New York (Westinghouse Government Services). Officials expect at least one microreactor to be operational by fall 2028.
Microreactors are designed to be small enough for mass production and transportation by truck or airplane, offering an alternative energy source for remote military bases that currently rely heavily on costly fossil fuel imports. These reactors can operate without frequent refueling, enhancing energy security for installations situated in isolated or challenging environments. Typically producing up to 20 megawatts of power, microreactors can supply electricity to thousands of homes, though they generate less output compared to traditional commercial reactors, which produce several hundred megawatts.
The Army’s program, called Janus, draws inspiration from NASA’s approach to fostering private spaceflight, with the objective to catalyze a new nuclear industry by funding multiple firms simultaneously and maintaining competition. Companies must meet performance milestones to continue receiving federal support, and the Army retains the option to redirect funding if projects fall short. Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, acknowledged the risks involved, noting the challenges of commercializing new reactor technologies and the possibility that some companies may not complete their projects.
The military maintains significant flexibility in pursuing nuclear power developments, as defense-related reactors do not require licensing by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which regulates civilian nuclear energy and often involves lengthy approval processes. However, the Army is coordinating with the NRC and the Department of Energy to align safety standards so that microreactors used on bases could eventually qualify for commercial deployment under an expedited NRC licensing framework. This proposed process, part of the Trump administration’s broader nuclear strategy, has drawn some criticism from Democrats concerned about transparency and regulatory oversight.
Economically, while microreactors are expected to be faster and less costly to build upfront compared to large-scale plants, the electricity they generate may be more expensive due to the absence of economies of scale. Still, military officials argue that for remote installations, particularly in locations such as Alaska or Pacific islands where fuel costs are high, microreactors could be a cost-effective solution. Some industrial sectors have also expressed interest in using microreactors for localized power and heat generation.
The initial Army funding is intended to help reactor developers reduce costs over time. Radiant Industries, awarded $750 million to develop several 1-megawatt reactors, described operating at military sites as a stepping stone toward eventual commercial expansion. The Army has projected an initial wave of about 20 microreactors, with concerns remaining about securing sufficient low-enriched uranium fuel to support longer-term growth. The Energy Department is investing billions to strengthen domestic nuclear fuel supply chains.
Waste management remains a challenge. The Army continues to address contamination from reactors it operated in the mid-20th century and requires new projects to remove radioactive materials within two years after service. However, the United States has yet to establish a permanent nuclear waste disposal facility.
The move to develop microreactors reflects broader bipartisan support for nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon power source, with Congressional leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer, advocating for funding deployments at bases like Fort Drum. As the Army moves forward, the success of these projects could shape the future trajectory of advanced nuclear technologies in both military and civilian sectors.