Army’s New Nuclear Initiative for Military Bases
In an effort to enhance energy independence, the Army is set to launch a significant nuclear project aimed at generating electricity at military bases globally. This initiative, which has been dubbed Project Janus, particularly targets remote areas where fuel supply is precarious.
Over the next five years, significant funding, estimated in “hundreds of millions of dollars,” will be allocated for the installation of advanced commercial microreactors at these installations, according to Dr. Jeff Waksman, who is overseeing the project.
“The dynamics of modern warfare increasingly hinge on resource mobilization,” Waksman noted. With the rise of technology like drones and AI, the demand for reliable energy sources is expected to grow. He emphasized, “Our capacity to transport energy into strategic ocean frontiers faces unprecedented challenges,” particularly with a potential conflict involving China on the horizon.
“It’s a considerable obstacle to ensure continuous power supply,” Waksman stated. Currently, military bases rely entirely on fossil fuels. “Existing technologies simply can’t sustain a 24/7 power supply solely through solar, wind, or batteries. Therefore, nuclear power is, I think, the only viable solution to this fuel dependency problem.”
Earlier this year, an executive order issued by former President Trump directed the Army to operate nuclear reactors regulated on U.S. military bases by September 2028.
Waksman described the Janus Program as solidly focused on tangible results rather than just theoretical frameworks. “Previous nuclear initiatives have often stalled after initial announcements, but we’re committed to delivering real progress,” he said.
The Army plans to collaborate with the Defense Innovation Unit and the Department of Energy’s national labs to guide the design and testing of these microreactors, which will not be military-owned but constructed and managed by private entities. To draw investment, a milestone-based contracting method will be employed, similar to NASA’s successful approach in the commercial space sector.
The aim is to foster a self-sustaining market for small nuclear reactors that could power military and civilian infrastructure alike. Waksman refers to the timeline as “light speed” in the context of nuclear development, with actual hardware expected to roll out in 2027 and initial efforts focused on supply chain and materials science.
He pointed out that while qualified suppliers are essential for reactor components, the larger goal is to strengthen the industrial base, ensuring that several companies can work from the same certified suppliers.
The Janus plan targets both domestic power needs and addresses logistical challenges in potential military confrontations, particularly within the Pacific realm. For instance, Waksman highlighted Guam’s reliance on imported oil for over 90% of its electricity, which is a vulnerable position.
“Having a power source that can function for extended periods without resupply would truly transform our operational capabilities,” he remarked.
While these reactors will initially remain within the U.S., there’s a vision for their expedient use in future missions or commercial applications. Waksman summed up the ambition, mentioning that the Army envisions becoming less reliant on being the sole buyer for these reactors, aiming instead for industry expansion beyond just military applications.
Nuclear microreactors are essentially compact, factory-built systems that operate on principles similar to traditional power plants but with a significantly smaller footprint. They can generate between 1 and 20 megawatts—sufficient to power a small town—and typically run for years without needing refueling. Contrasting with large reactors that require extensive construction timelines, these microreactors are designed for swift deployment, making them an appealing solution for sites where fuel logistics pose challenges.
