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San Rafael Today
By the People, for the People
Pentagon to Test Compact Mobile Nuclear Reactor
New generation reactor developed for military energy sustainability
Feb. 16, 2026 at 6:31pm
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The Pentagon, in cooperation with the US Department of Energy, is set to begin testing a compact mobile nuclear reactor developed for military purposes. The reactor was recently delivered from California to the San Rafael Energy Laboratory in Utah.
Why it matters
This new reactor technology is intended to provide the US defense sector with energy sustainability and strategic independence, ensuring access to power that does not rely on local grids which could be vulnerable during military conflicts.
The details
The reactor was created by Valar Atomics and is part of the Pentagon's efforts to develop small mobile nuclear reactors that can produce energy independent of local power grids. The US Department of Energy plans to utilize these reactors to generate power that is not susceptible to grid failures or attacks during military operations.
- On February 15, 2025, the new generation reactor was delivered from California to the San Rafael Energy Laboratory in Utah.
The players
Pentagon
The United States Department of Defense.
US Department of Energy
The United States federal department responsible for policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear materials.
Valar Atomics
A company that developed the compact mobile nuclear reactor for the Pentagon.
San Rafael Energy Laboratory
A research facility located in Utah where the new reactor will be tested.
What’s next
The Pentagon and Department of Energy will begin testing the new compact mobile nuclear reactor at the San Rafael Energy Laboratory in Utah.
The takeaway
This new reactor technology represents the Pentagon's efforts to ensure energy sustainability and strategic independence for the US defense sector, providing power that is not reliant on vulnerable local grids during potential military conflicts.
