Utah Welcomes Miniature Nuclear Reactor Airlifted from California

The advanced nuclear reactor will be deployed in Emery County to power economic growth and national security.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The U.S. Department of War airlifted a five-megawatt advanced nuclear reactor manufactured by Valar Atomics from Southern California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah on Sunday. This marked the first time a nuclear reactor has been transported by C-17 aircraft, showcasing the possibilities for future deployment of nuclear energy infrastructure. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and other officials accompanied the reactor and spoke at a press conference about Utah's plans to lead the country in nuclear energy production.

Why it matters

The transportation of this advanced nuclear reactor to Utah represents a historic shift in the future of American energy production. It highlights the state's initiative to expand its energy capacity through nuclear and geothermal sources, aiming to achieve energy independence and power economic growth, military readiness, and national strength.

The details

The nuclear reactor will be transported from Hill Air Force Base to Orangeville, Utah, in Emery County, and is expected to begin generating power before July 4, 2026. Valar Atomics, the company that manufactured the reactor, focuses on designing advanced nuclear reactors that use TRISO fuel and helium as a coolant, instead of water. The company's 26-year-old founder, Isaiah Taylor, praised the Trump administration's deregulation efforts, which he says have enabled rapid nuclear innovations.

  • The nuclear reactor will be transported from Hill Air Force Base to Orangeville, Utah, in Emery County, and is expected to begin generating power before July 4, 2026.
  • The reactor was airlifted to Hill Air Force Base on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah, who plans for the state to lead the country in nuclear energy production.

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary, who spoke about the country's rapid nuclear innovations due to federal deregulation.

Valar Atomics

An American company that focuses on designing advanced nuclear reactors using TRISO fuel and helium as a coolant.

Isaiah Taylor

The 26-year-old founder of Valar Atomics, who praised the Trump administration's deregulation efforts.

Michael Duffey

The Under Secretary of War, who said the Trump administration is "tearing down the walls" that have kept innovative companies away from nuclear energy.

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What they’re saying

“Ladies and gentlemen, there are moments in history when technologies redefine what is possible in a nation. Advanced nuclear for national security belongs in that lineage.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (kslnewsradio.com)

“We want and need the best ideas, the best people and the fastest work. We're working with startups and corporations to solve our hardest problems.”

— Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War (kslnewsradio.com)

“We went 40 or 50 years without building much in the nuclear space. But things changed when President Trump signed multiple executive orders that have unleashed tremendous reform.”

— Chris Wright, U.S. Energy Secretary (kslnewsradio.com)

What’s next

The nuclear reactor will be transported from Hill Air Force Base to Orangeville, Utah, in Emery County, and is expected to begin generating power before July 4, 2026.

The takeaway

The transportation of this advanced nuclear reactor to Utah represents a significant step forward in the country's efforts to expand its nuclear energy capabilities, driven by federal deregulation and private sector innovation. This development could have far-reaching implications for the future of American energy production and national security.