The Army announced it has selected five nuclear energy vendors and five military installation sites for construction and operation of small-scale nuclear reactors as part of the Janus Program.
The service awarded up to $2.2 billion in government funding to the vendors, with additional private sector funding expected. The Army expects to eventually build and operate more than 20 nuclear microreactors across Defense Department installations.
The selected vendors and locations are: Antares Nuclear Inc. at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems at Fort Hood, Texas; Radiant Industries Inc. at Fort Benning, Georgia; and Westinghouse Government Services at Fort Drum, New York.
"We are seeking not just reactors capable of turning on for a brief demonstration, but rather systems able to deliver power with high-capacity factors for years of operation," said Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment.
The Army said it evaluated vendors based on technical risks, financial capability, and management ability. The selection process included input from the Energy Department, national laboratories, and other military services. Installations were selected based on energy needs, seismic and hydrological considerations, and safety concerns.
Using a milestone-based payment system, vendors will receive government funding only after meeting specific technical goals. The $2.2 billion in government funding spans fiscal years 2027 through 2031, complemented by capital investment from each vendor.
The Army has set a target date of September 2028 for the operation of the first reactor. Additional military sites will be announced later, the service said.