U.S. military airlifts small reactor as administration pushes to speed nuclear deployment

The Pentagon and U.S. Energy Department flew a 5-megawatt microreactor without fuel from California to Utah for testing, officials said. The move is described as part of an effort to accelerate licensing and deployment of microreactors for military and civilian power needs.

The Pentagon and the U.S. Energy Department transported a minivan-sized microreactor from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah on Feb. 15. The reactor was moved without nuclear fuel on a C-17 military aircraft and will be tested at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. Officials framed the flight as a demonstration of the ability to rapidly deploy portable nuclear units and as part of an effort to fast-track commercial licensing and broader deployment. The article mentions Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey accompanied the shipment. Key facts: - The transported device is a 5-megawatt microreactor built by the startup Valar Atomics and was flown nearly 700 miles without fuel. - Officials said the reactor will go to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab for testing and that fuel will be provided by the Nevada National Security Site. - Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey called the flight a step toward faster licensing and potential use for military bases and civilian needs such as data centers. - Wright said at least three microreactors are expected to reach "criticality" by July 4, according to the article. - Critics including Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists said the flight did not address questions about feasibility, safety, economics or long-term waste disposal, and officials were reported to be in talks with states about reprocessing or disposal. Summary: Officials described the airlift as a demonstration of transport capability and as supporting a policy push to accelerate microreactor licensing and deployment. The article reports planned testing in Utah and fuel provision from Nevada, while critics emphasized unresolved issues on safety, cost and waste handling. Officials are reported to be engaging with states about reprocessing and disposal.