US Army to Deploy Nuclear Microreactors at Five Military Bases

The US Army has announced an ambitious plan to construct nuclear microreactors at five military bases spanning from New York to Texas, representing a significant shift toward self-sufficient energy generation for defence installations. The project is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to accelerate nuclear power development and meet surging electricity demand from data centres and other critical infrastructure.

Five selected companies will receive contracts worth up to $2.2 billion over the next five years to design, build and operate the microreactors, contingent on meeting performance benchmarks. The Army anticipates that more than 20 nuclear microreactors will eventually be deployed and operational across its facilities, providing a resilient and independent power supply.

Currently, no commercial nuclear microreactors are feeding electricity into the United States power grid, making this initiative a pioneering effort in the sector. Military and industry officials argue that microreactors offer enhanced resilience and reliability compared to traditional grid-dependent power sources, which are vulnerable to disruptions and external interference.

The announcement reflects the Pentagon's strategic priority to secure critical infrastructure against potential vulnerabilities while supporting the administration's broader nuclear energy expansion agenda. The microreactor program aligns with parallel initiatives providing billions in loans for large-scale nuclear reactors and pilot programmes for advanced reactor designs intended for both military and civilian applications.