As the world continues to strive towards utilizing cleaner energy sources, nuclear power is emerging as a crucial component of the solution. Offering a reliable, carbon-free energy supply, nuclear power is particularly beneficial in remote regions or areas where other renewable energy sources may not be as effective. The U.S. military is now exploring the possibility of incorporating nuclear energy to power its domestic bases by the 2030s.
The U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy are embarking on plans to construct small nuclear reactors to ensure a dependable, carbon-free energy source for their bases. This strategic initiative underscores the military’s dedication to sustainability, energy independence, and national security in an ever-evolving energy landscape.
The U.S. Army is taking significant strides towards deploying microreactors – compact nuclear units with capacities ranging from 3 to 5 MW – at its installations by the early 2030s. Various designs of microreactors are currently in development in the U.S., offering portable energy solutions for remote areas, residential and commercial needs, as well as military bases. These small reactors are distinguished by their factory fabrication, transportability, and self-adjustment features, as highlighted by the U.S. DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy.
Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment, emphasized the advantages of microreactors during the American Nuclear Society’s winter meeting. Jacobson noted that these reactors operate autonomously and excel in environments that may pose challenges to other carbon-free energy sources.
The Army issued a solicitation in June and received over 40 expressions of interest. An interdisciplinary team, with support from the Idaho National Laboratory, is currently narrowing down the proposals to a shortlist of 10 finalists. These finalists will present their solutions in a competitive “Shark Tank”-style review.
The U.S. Air Force is also focusing on microreactors, particularly at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, with the aim of supplementing the base’s coal-fired power plant with a 5 MW microreactor. However, delays due to legal and administrative obstacles have pushed back the timeline, making it unlikely to meet the Congressional deadline of 2027.
In 2025, the Air Force plans to issue a new Notice of Intent (NOI) to award the project contract. Subsequently, the environmental review and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing processes will commence. Additionally, the Air Force is exploring nuclear power options for bases in Texas and Utah, with the potential for a reactor at Joint Base San Antonio to cater to local energy needs.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy is leveraging civilian-owned and operated nuclear plants to enhance energy resilience at its bases. Walter Ludwig, Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, highlighted the substantial infrastructure challenges the Navy faces in power generation, transmission, and distribution. To address these challenges, the Navy is considering long-term power purchase agreements with utilities operating nuclear units to ensure a consistent power supply and enhance resilience.
The U.S. Navy issued a request for information on nuclear options at seven bases in October, seeking assessments across all installations. The response has been robust, with over 40 submissions currently under expert review.
The United States has been a pioneer in nuclear energy innovation since the 1940s, utilizing nuclear reactors to power national defense effectively. With the largest nuclear-powered navy globally, the U.S. military benefits from a strong commercial nuclear industry and a shared nuclear supply chain. Nuclear plants and fuel facilities are vital components of U.S. infrastructure, supporting the missions of the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Energy (DOE). Advanced reactors play a key role in future national defense strategies.
The Pentagon, supported by Congress, is exploring microreactors for domestic bases to secure carbon-free energy sources independent of the grid. Through the DoD’s Project Pele, mobile nuclear reactors are being considered for deployment at over 750 global bases, focusing on leveraging advanced nuclear technology to meet increasing energy demands.
Nuclear energy offers several advantages for military installations, including energy independence, operational resilience in extreme environments, and aligning with the Department of Defense’s sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The U.S. military is a significant carbon emitter and the largest institutional petroleum consumer globally for its operations. Studies indicate that the U.S. military has generated over 1.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases (GHG) since 2001, surpassing entire countries like Denmark and Portugal. The Pentagon alone accounts for 56% of federal GHG emissions, as per the White House. A substantial portion of these emissions arises from military operations, including personnel and equipment transportation, and energy consumption for its extensive property portfolio.
In response, the U.S. Army unveiled a climate plan aiming for a 50% reduction in net GHG emissions by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Efforts are underway to address the environmental impact, but the challenge of balancing security needs with climate objectives remains. Calls for greater accountability for the U.S. DoD in addressing its carbon emissions are growing, with nuclear power emerging as a viable solution.
The U.S. military’s transition towards nuclear power signifies a transformative step towards achieving energy resilience and sustainability. With projects in progress across the Army, Air Force, and Navy, these initiatives have the potential to redefine how military installations power their operations, setting a precedent for widespread adoption of large-scale, carbon-free energy through nuclear power.
