The Army is launching a new initiative to expand sustainable energy options at domestic military facilities. The announcement marks a kickoff period for Janus Program, which has entered its initial acquisition and site selection phase. The program was created to carry out Executive Order 14299, which directs the Department of Defense to deploy advanced nuclear reactors on military installations.
The Army has set a goal of bringing at least one reactor online by Sept. 30, 2028. Army officials have selected nine bases for potential construction of the first microreactors. The proposed installation sites are Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Fort Drum, Fort Hood, Fort Wainwright, Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Joint Base Lewis McChord and Redstone Arsenal.
These smaller reactors can be about the size of a shipping container, yet they can power an entire base for five to ten years on a single fuel load. They are designed to provide reliable energy that does not depend on outside grids or fossil fuels for backup during emergencies or critical missions. Officials say the compact systems are safe, protected and environmentally responsible.
To find the right designs that can work in different environments, the Defense Innovation Unit has issued a formal solicitation for private companies to propose microreactor concepts. Companies chosen through DIU will build an initial reactor at a designated base, incorporate lessons learned, and then build an improved second version. This milestone based process is similar to the approach NASA used in its early commercial partnerships that helped companies like SpaceX grow.
Through this multi-year effort to evaluate designs, award contracts, build prototypes, shape supply chains and eventually install reactors on selected bases, the Army says Janus will do more than power its installations. Leaders expect the program to help drive broader use of advanced nuclear technology in the private sector much the way federal space partnerships encouraged commercial innovation.
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