As the world works towards using more clean energy, nuclear power is becoming an important part of the solution. It provides a steady, carbon-free source of energy, which is especially useful in remote areas or places where other green energy sources may not work well. In this context, the U.S. military is now looking into using nuclear energy to power its domestic bases in the 2030s.
Powering Up: How Microreactors Are Transforming Military Energy Resilience
The US Army, Air Force, and Navy are planning to build small nuclear reactors to ensure a reliable, carbon-free energy supply for their bases. This strategic move reflects the military’s commitment to sustainability and energy independence while supporting national security in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Army’s Microreactor Ambitions
The U.S. Army is taking significant steps to deploy microreactors—compact nuclear units with capacities of 3 to 5 MW—at its installations by the early 2030s.
Several microreactor designs are under development in the U.S., offering portable energy solutions for remote areas, both commercial and residential needs, and military bases.
According to the U.S. DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, these small reactors stand out due to three key features: factory fabrication, transportability, and self-adjustment.
Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment, emphasized the advantages of these reactors during the American Nuclear Society’s (ANS) winter meeting. Jacobson said that:
“Microreactors operate autonomously and can thrive in environments that challenge other carbon-free energy sources.”
The Army issued a solicitation in June, receiving over 40 expressions of interest. An interdisciplinary team, supported by the Idaho National Laboratory, is narrowing the proposals to a shortlist of 10 finalists. These will present their solutions in a competitive “Shark Tank”-style review.
Delayed Air Force Projects
The U.S. Air Force is also focusing on microreactors, particularly at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The project aims to supplement the base’s coal-fired power plant with a 5 MW microreactor.
However, delays due to legal and administrative hurdles have pushed 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. Following this, the environmental review and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing processes will begin.
The Air Force is also eyeing nuclear power for bases in Texas and Utah. A potential reactor at Joint Base San Antonio could support local energy needs, while a power purchase agreement may bring nuclear energy to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
Navy’s Energy Resilience Strategy
As for the U.S. Navy, it is leveraging civilian-owned and operated nuclear plants to bolster energy resilience at its bases. Walter Ludwig, Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, noted that the Navy faces substantial infrastructure challenges in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
To address this, the Navy is considering long-term power purchase agreements with utilities operating nuclear units. These agreements aim to ensure a consistent power supply while maintaining a direct link for resilience.
In October, the Navy issued a request for information on nuclear options at seven bases but asked for assessments across all installations. The response has been robust, with over 40 submissions currently under expert review.
So, Why Nuclear Power?
Since the 1940s, the United States has been at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation, using nuclear reactors to power national defense reliably. With the world’s largest nuclear-powered navy, the U.S. and its military benefit from a robust commercial nuclear industry and a shared nuclear supply chain.
Nuclear plants and fuel facilities are essential 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 are also key to future national defense strategies.
Moreover, the Pentagon, backed by Congress, is exploring microreactors for domestic bases for 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. This initiative focuses on leveraging advanced nuclear technology to meet growing energy demands.
In this regard, nuclear energy offers several advantages for military installations:
- Energy Independence: Microreactors reduce reliance on external grids, providing a reliable, autonomous power source.
- Operational Resilience: These reactors can function in extreme environments, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical operations.
- Carbon-Free Operations: Nuclear power aligns with the Department of Defense’s sustainability goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
From the Largest Emitter to Carbon-Free Military Future
The U.S. military is a major emitter of carbon and the world’s single largest institutional petroleum consumer for its operations.
Research reveals that the U.S. military has generated over 1.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases (GHG) since 2001—more than entire countries like Denmark and Portugal. The Pentagon alone accounts for 56% of federal GHG emissions, according to the White House.
A huge portion of these emissions comes from military operations, such as transporting personnel and equipment, alongside energy usage for its extensive property portfolio.
In response, the U.S. Army unveiled a climate plan targeting a 50% reduction in net GHG emissions by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Some efforts are underway to address environmental impact, but the challenge of balancing security needs with climate goals persists. Global climate talks highlighted the need for military emissions to be incorporated into net zero commitments.
This shift is prompting calls for greater accountability for the U.S. DoD in addressing its carbon emissions. Nuclear is one option that the military sees as a viable solution.
The U.S. military’s move toward nuclear power represents a transformative step in achieving energy resilience and sustainability. With projects in the pipeline across the Army, Air Force, and Navy, these efforts could redefine how military installations power their operations, setting a precedent for large-scale, carbon-free energy adoption through nuclear energy.