https://www.nei.org/news/2024/why-is-dod-interested-in-next-gen-n...

https://www.nei.org/news/2024/why-is-dod-interested-in-next-gen-nuclear

Why Is the Department of Defense So Interested in Next-Gen Nuclear?

The Department of Defense (DoD), the largest consumer of energy among governmental agencies, relies heavily on local electric grids for power. It’s imperative for military operations to have steady access to energy, which has often led to a reliance on fossil fuel sources.
At the same time, addressing climate change is important for DoD, but such efforts must always complement U.S. national security requirements. That’s where nuclear energy comes in.   
In recent years, DoD has focused on preparing to deploy next-generation nuclear technologies to meet its energy needs and decarbonization targets, all while ensuring our national security interests.
They are specifically interested in microreactors, as these next-generation reactors can provide energy resilience and isolation from the local civilian grid while keeping the local grid safe from cyber-attacks. 
Microreactors can easily be transported and are a great solution for powering bases in remote places like Alaska or even on islands. And when deployed overseas, microreactors can also mitigate logistical challenges. For example, fossil fuel convoys have historically been targeted by our adversaries. During the first 10 years of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than half of the total American casualties were from the transport of fuel and water to the battlefield. By deploying microreactors we can use nuclear energy to power the bases, removing the need for fossil fuel here, and enable the electrification of our armed forces and further reduce the need for fuel convoys.
The Army G-4 and the Defense Science Board have underscored the necessity of microreactors at forward operating bases, emphasizing resource utilization, infinite sustainment, and disaster relief as crucial needs.   
Congress has also recognized this national security need through Project Pele funding. Project Pele signifies a pivotal step forward for DoD’s ongoing clean energy efforts. This initiative involves the development and testing of a mobile microreactor designed to provide an independent and resilient mobile power source.  
Additionally, the funding of a second X-Energy design underscores DoD's proactive stance in exploring diverse nuclear solutions, and a collaboration between the General Services Administration and Southern Company aims to develop clean energy options for federal facilities in Southern’s service territory, of which the Army is the largest customer.  
The adoption of microreactors by DoD would advance our interests at home both militarily and economically. According to the Congressional Budget Office, national defense spending accounts for one-sixth of the national budget. If DoD moves forward with microreactors as part of their defense portfolio, it will significantly impact the microreactor market and supporting markets like fuel and manufacturing.  
This is not the first time that DoD has had such an impact on the nuclear industry as a whole — the success of light water reactor (LWR) technology in addressing national security needs and expanding civilian electricity production demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between DoD and commercial nuclear.  
Microreactors are groundbreaking and innovative new technology, and government support can offset early mover risks while addressing national security. NASA's Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) approach is a great example of how government agencies can spin in innovative solutions for successful technology adoption while supporting industry growth. A similar approach could be employed by DoD as they continue to explore microreactor defense applications.
The Department of Defense is doubling down on nuclear because it’s reliant and resilient. Next-generation nuclear can help ensure clean energy targets are met. But, perhaps most importantly, it aligns with DoD’s national security imperatives. By investing in microreactors and actively collaborating with the nuclear industry, DoD not only enhances its own energy resilience but also maintains broader national security goals. Lessons from history emphasize the pivotal role of government support in driving technological innovation for the benefit of the nation, and next-generation nuclear will soon be a shining example of it