On November 18, the Defense Innovation Unit released an area of interest (AOI) request to solicit “technical solutions” from industry regarding the deployment and use of microreactors on the installations.
The army intends to select multiple advanced reactor designs (up to 20 MWe) that can supply power for both installations and nonpermanent operations, with the goal of having an operational demonstration microreactor power plant on a U.S. military installation by 2030.
Selected vendors will be awarded contracts using a milestone-based contracting model, according to the army. The deadline for AOI solicitations is December 15.
The program: According to the army, the Janus Program, which meets the Trump administration’s Executive Order 14299, “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security,” is leveraging the Department of Energy and its network of national laboratories to ensure the appropriate expertise is applied to the evaluation of proposed designs, operational plans, and emergency preparedness plans.
The rollout of Janus technology will occur in stages as the army validates lessons learned and ensures safe, efficient implementation. All projects are to comply with the applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and include the safety features inherent in next-generation reactor designs.
The army added that it does not anticipate any significant impact to installation land use in deploying the microreactors.
Watch a video overview of the Janus Program here.
Site selection: The army chose nine sites following comprehensive analysis and on-site assessment to identify optimal locations for initial deployment. The process evaluated mission critical installations, energy requirements and resiliency gaps, power infrastructure, and environmental and technical considerations.
Listed in alphabetical order below are the selected sites:
- Fort Benning, Ga.
- Fort Bragg, N.C.
- Fort Campbell, Ky.
- Fort Drum, N.Y.
- Fort Hood, Texas
- Fort Wainwright, Alaska
- Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Tenn.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
- Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
While the final number and location for microreactor plants on army installations will be determined as part of the acquisition process, the army said it is committed to maximizing the number of sites based on technical feasibility, site suitability, and available resources.
Quote: “These early site selections align with the Department of War’s goal of accelerating the pace of deploying on-site nuclear generation at our installations,” said Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment. “Through the use of the Army’s unique nuclear regulatory authorities, we are deploying a resilient, secure, and reliable energy supply for critical defense operations and in support of the most lethal land-based fighting force in the world.”
