Pentagon demonstrates U.S. potential to quickly deploy nuclear power via airlift

3 days ago

US military airlifts a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah for the first time.
The reactor, a 5-megawatt microreactor without nuclear fuel, was transported via a C-17 military aircraft.
The Trump administration is pushing for quick deployment of nuclear power to meet rising demand from AI, data centers, and military use.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey hailed the transport as a breakthrough for commercial licensing of microreactors.
President Trump supports nuclear energy as a reliable, carbon-free source, despite skepticism about safety and feasibility.
The microreactor, minivan-sized, is expected to reach 'criticality' by July 4, as promised by Trump.
Currently, the US has 94 operable nuclear reactors generating about 19% of the country's electricity.
Microreactors are designed to be portable and could provide energy security for military bases independent of the civilian grid.
Critics, like Edwin Lyman, argue the transport was a publicity stunt and safety concerns remain unaddressed.
The reactor will undergo testing at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab, with fuel provided by the Nevada National Security site.

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