U.S. military airlifts miniature reactor; Energy secretary says units can power about 5,000 homes
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Summary
Energy Secretary Christopher Wright said the U.S. military and Department of Energy airlifted components of a 5-megawatt miniature nuclear reactor to a Utah base and that, with industry partners, it could be assembled and running in roughly 10–12 weeks; the administration has requested three units.
PARIS — The U.S. military partnered with the Department of Energy to airlift components of a miniature nuclear reactor from a base in California to a base in Utah "for the first time on Sunday," Energy Secretary Christopher Wright said in an interview in Paris.
Wright described the system as a next‑generation, 5‑megawatt unit that "can power 5,000 homes" and said the president wants three such units. "That thing will be assembled and running, you know, 10 or 12 weeks from now," he said, adding that the department is working with several private companies on deployment.
Why it matters: Small modular and transportable reactor technologies are being pursued as a way to provide rapid, local grid capacity and to support operations in remote locations. Wright framed an expedited timeline as dependent on faster regulatory approvals and public‑private partnerships.
Wright argued the greater supply could lower consumer prices, saying, "Ultimately, of course, it'll drive it down." He also linked broader economic benefits to increased energy availability, saying more supply means "more opportunity, more businesses, and higher wages." He described the administration's approach as reversing prior regulatory restraints.
The interview did not provide technical or safety details about the reactor's design, operator arrangements, or regulatory approvals. Wright's timeline and benefit claims were presented as his assessment; the program's safety review status and specific company partners were not named during the interview.
The administration has sought three transportable reactors, according to the interview; Wright said they expect the first assembled unit to be operational within a matter of weeks once on site.