DoD invites companies to build nuclear reactors to power military bases

The Department of Defense is looking to collaborate with the private sector to harness nuclear energy.

Last week, the Department’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) announced it’s picked companies that are “eligible” to begin building “fixed on-site microreactor nuclear power systems” to operate on military bases and contribute to their power supply. Though the announcement didn’t specify how many companies are eligible for the “Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations” (ANPI) program, it did list eight of the companies, including BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC, a nuclear manufacturer that designs nuclear powered submarines for the Navy.

According to a press release, the ANPI program “directly supports” President Trump’s executive orders pertaining to US energy resources. Nuclear is not listed in the administration’s list of “energy resources” in its “Declaring a National Energy Emergency” order, but it is mentioned as a domestic energy resource in the “Unleashing American Energy” order.

“Microreactors on installations are a critical first step in delivering energy dominance to the force,” DIU Energy Portfolio Director Andrew Higier said in a statement. “The US and the DoD must maintain the advantage and leverage the best of breed nuclear technology for our national security.”

However, the ANPI program was not created in response to the executive orders: It started during the Biden administration. The program’s goals, outlined in a DIU release, include shoring up “energy resilience” in the military, demonstrating that nuclear is a “safe, secure, reliable, and compliant” form of electricity, and further developing nuclear microreactors. Critics maintain that nuclear power presents environmental and security hazards.

“Advanced nuclear power represents a transformative opportunity to bolster Army installation resilience and strengthen national security in an increasingly uncertain world,” according to Senior Official Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of the Army, Installations, Energy and Environment Daniel Klippstein. “The Army’s partnership with, and investment in, the domestic nuclear industry will reduce reliance on foreign energy supplies and ensure uninterrupted power for the Army’s defense mission.”