Valar's Ward250 microreactor being loaded, without fuel, onto a C-17 aircraft. (Photo: Valar Atomics)

A public-private partnership between the Departments of Defense and Energy and Valar Atomics marked a milestone over the weekend when Valar’s Ward250 microreactor was transported (without fuel) from California to Utah using three C-17 aircraft. The reactor will now trek from Hill Air Force Base to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (URSEL) for testing and evaluation.

A formal press conference at Hill Air Force Base included Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, and Valar Atomics CEO Isaiah Taylor.

During his remarks, Wright discussed the significance of the day, and said “a 5‑megawatt Valar Atomics nuclear reactor was just flown from L.A. to this air force base here in Utah—an incredible 5‑megawatt reactor that powers 5,000 homes, flown in the back of a plane.” The ability to transport microreactors like the Ward250 bolsters claims that the technology could be deployed to remote locations, military installations, or to support natural disaster relief missions.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined Brigham City Mayor D. J. Bott this week to announce a new partnership among the state, city, Hi Tech Solutions, and Holtec International. The partnership plans to develop a “full-scale nuclear energy ecosystem” based in Brigham City that will feature advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and Holtec’s SMR-300.