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U.S. Army Moves Toward Nuclear Micro-Reactor Initiative
Background and Objectives
Nearly fifty years after the Army last operated a nuclear facility, plans are underway to commence construction on a micro-reactor at a U.S. military installation by 2027. This initiative, known as the Janus Program, is aimed at advancing new reactor technologies to not only enhance energy availability at military sites but also ensure operational continuity in the event of a broader power grid failure. The announcement was made by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Energy Secretary Chris Wright during the Association of the U.S. Army conference in Washington, D.C.
Strategic Importance
Currently, there are no microreactors functioning in the United States. However, officials have expressed optimism about seeing a prototype reactor reach criticality by July 2026, with construction commencing at a domestic base thereafter. Jeff Waksman, Principal Deputy Assistant Army Secretary for Installations, Energy, and Environment, noted, “While construction will likely not begin until 2027, we are making significant strides.”
This initiative aligns with a May executive order from the previous administration, focusing on investing in microreactor technology and facilitating its deployment within military contexts. The urgency stems from ongoing issues regarding domestic uranium enrichment, given that most U.S. reactors rely on imported fuel. Wright acknowledged the challenges but underscored the Department of Energy’s initiatives to bolster domestic enrichment capabilities.
Industry Perspectives
Thomas Mancinelli, former Acting Navy Undersecretary and current head of federal strategy at Antares Nuclear, emphasized the industry’s readiness to meet the demands of building these reactors, provided that essential resources, including workforce and fuel supply chains, are effectively managed. He stated, “We understand the architectural requirements to build these reactors, and the focus is now on operationalizing them at scale so we can begin supplying the Department of Defense by 2028 and beyond.”
Enhancing Operational Resilience
Driscoll articulated that this extensive nuclear project would enhance both the Army’s capabilities and national security by supplanting traditional diesel fuel supply lines with a more sustainable reactor solution capable of extended operation without interruption.
Addressing Security Concerns
Despite apprehensions from organizations such as the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, who speculate that microreactors could be perceived as high-value targets for adversaries, Army representatives have assured stakeholders of their safety. Waksman remarked, “These installations will be limited to the 50 states and are designed to be discreet, with minimal fissile material making them less attractive targets for proliferation.”
Implementation and Contracting Framework
The construction of the microreactors will proceed under a milestone-based contracting framework in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit. The initiative is commercially driven, seeking partnerships with industry stakeholders already selected for their capabilities in reactor development.
Inspiration for this program has been drawn from Project Pele, the Defense Department’s ongoing mobile reactor project, alongside elements from NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services strategy.
Moving Forward
The Army’s announcement coincides with a recent decision to designate Eielson Air Force Base, located near Fairbanks, Alaska, as the preferred site for a nuclear microreactor under a Department of Defense pilot program, with the goal of operational deployment by 2028.
This strategic move toward advancing microreactor technology illustrates the military’s commitment to modernizing its energy infrastructure, ensuring enhanced resilience in a rapidly evolving operational landscape.
