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Air Force moves ahead with micronuclear plans
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legislative and executive initiatives, including Section 327 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act and the 2021 Executive Order 13972, which promotes small modular re- actors for national defense and space exploration. Additionally, the initia- tive supports the current adminis- tration’s commitment to accelerating advanced nuclear energy technology for national. Microreactors are next-generation nuclear energy systems, capable of safely producing 1 to 50 megawatts of reliable, continuous electricity with- out requiring connection to the com- mercial grid. Designed for safety and security, these compact reactors can operate for years without refueling, ensuring uninterrupted energy sup- ply at almost any location. “Following an extensive evalua- tion, Oklo was selected for their in- novation, commitment to safety, and ability to support the mission-crit- ical needs of this installation,” said Michael Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. The notice initiates a negotiation process to potentially award a 30- year, firm-fixed-price contract to Oklo, Inc. after the company obtains an NRC license. Oklo would own and operate the reactor and sell power to the Air Force at the contract price. This is different approach from that taken by other micronuclear devel- opers, which is to develop a project and turn it over to a separate entity to be owner and operator. There is no estimate for a capital cost for the Eielson project but sourc - es familiar with developments of mi- cronuclear projects estimate that it could be in the range of $350 million. That’s very expensive for a 5-Mega-
Eielson Air Force Base chosen as preferred location The Department of the Air Force, in coordination with the Defense Lo- gistics Agency Energy Office, has is - sued a Notice of Intent to award Oklo Inc., a California firm. If ultimately awarded, the con- tract, the company would be required to site, develop and operate a licensed microreactor facility at a defense in- stallation. Eielson Air Force Base, in Interior Alaska, is the preferred loca- tion for the pilot. The Department of Defense and the Nuclear Regulatory Commis- sion are preparing an environmental analysis for the project as the next step. This initiative would be the first deployment of a commercial-type microreactor for the Department of Defense. There is no schedule yet for when construction or operation would begin after the contract award. The Air Force had earlier indicat- ed that it had selected Oklo for the award but a contract appeal by an unsuccessful bidder put the project on hold for an extended period. The appeal was ultimately unsuccessful. “This microreactor pilot could position Alaska and the nation at the forefront of energy innovation – leading us to a new era of safe, se- cure, and reliable energy,” said Sec- retary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “It has the potential to shape future approaches to powering national se- curity infrastructure, especially in the Arctic—where energy reliability is vital in the face of evolving threats.” This initiative is rooted in key
watt plant compared with, for exam- ple, estimates of $7.5 million to build an oil-fired power plant generating 5 Megawatts, the sources said. Others believe the cost of the reac- tors will come down after Oklo devel- ops and demonstrates the first plant. By the 14th or 15th plant the experi- ence gained and economies of scale could being the plant cost down to the same range as fossil-fuel plants. The Air Force is bullish on future prospects for micronuclear tech- nology, however. “To achieve peace through strength and uphold Na- tional Defense Strategy priorities, the Department of the Air Force must ensure our installations promote le- thality and readiness. Strengthening mission resilience, reducing depen- dence on vulnerable energy sources, and fielding next-generation tech - nologies is integral to our ability to defend the homeland and project power globally,” said Nancy Balkus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment. That is echoed by Eielson base commanders. “As Eielson Air Force Base focuses on lethality and warf- ighting, the “Iceman” team (at Ei- elson) is proud to continue our pi- oneering legacy,” said Col. Paul Townsend, 354th Fighter Wing com- mander, Eielson Air Force Base. “Operating in extreme Arctic con- ditions to protect the homeland and ensure readiness for our 5th genera- tion F-35A force demands 24/7 resil- ient and reliable energy generation, and this project would advance our posture to achieve national security objectives to be Ready to go at 50 be - low,” Townsend said.
— Tim Bradner
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