Army to spend $2B to build nuclear microreactors at 5 bases as US seeks to ramp up nuclear power
- The U.S. Army plans to add nuclear microreactors at five military bases across the country.
- The total investment for this initiative is up to $2.2 billion over five years.
- These microreactors are intended to provide a reliable energy source independent of the commercial electric grid.
- The Army expects to build and operate more than 20 nuclear microreactors as part of this program.
- The reactors will be licensed by the Army, not the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The U.S. Army announced plans to invest $2 billion to build nuclear microreactors at five military bases from New York to Texas. This initiative aims to create a reliable energy source that operates independently of the commercial electric grid.
The Army's investment will be distributed over five years, with up to $2.2 billion awarded to five selected companies to own, construct, and operate the microreactors. This program is part of the Army's broader effort to enhance energy resilience at military installations.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stated that these microreactors will help deliver safe and reliable power, essential for maintaining military operations without relying on external grids. The reactors are designed to run for extended periods without refueling, providing a stable energy supply.
Critics have raised concerns about the costs and risks associated with nuclear reactors, suggesting that the Army's program may subsidize companies that struggle to find private-sector customers. However, Army officials assert that safety measures are in place, and the reactors will be designed to shut down safely in case of failure.
美国陆军计划在五个基地投资20亿美元建设核微反应堆，以推动核能发展
美国陆军宣布计划投资20亿美元在纽约到德克萨斯州的五个军事基地建设核微反应堆。该计划旨在创建一个独立于商业电网的可靠能源来源。
陆军的投资将在五年内分配，最多将向五家选定的公司提供22亿美元，以拥有、建设和运营这些微反应堆。该项目是陆军增强军事设施能源韧性更广泛努力的一部分。
陆军部长丹·德里斯科尔表示，这些微反应堆将有助于提供安全可靠的电力，对于维持军事行动至关重要，而不依赖外部电网。这些反应堆设计为可以在长时间内不需要加油，从而提供稳定的能源供应。
批评者对核反应堆的成本和风险表示担忧，认为陆军的计划可能会补贴那些难以找到私营部门客户的公司。然而，陆军官员坚称，已经采取了安全措施，并且这些反应堆将设计为在故障情况下安全关闭。