War, Energy Departments Partner for Historic Nuclear Reactor Delivery

Next-generation nuclear reactor transported to Utah for testing and evaluation

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Department of War (DoW) and the Department of Energy (DoE) are collaborating on a groundbreaking project to advance America's nuclear energy capabilities and strengthen national security. A next-generation nuclear reactor will be transported from California to Utah's San Rafael Energy Lab for testing and evaluation, marking a historic milestone in the partnership between the two government agencies.

Why it matters

This collaboration aligns with the President's Executive Order to modernize the nation's nuclear energy infrastructure, showcasing an innovative, commercial-first approach to solving critical energy and defense challenges. By harnessing advanced nuclear technology, the government aims to enhance energy resilience and strategic independence for the U.S. military and the country as a whole.

The details

The reactor will be transported via C-17 from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah, and then to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (USREL) in Orangeville, Utah, for testing and evaluation. This successful delivery and installation will unlock significant possibilities for the future of energy resilience and strategic independence for the nation's defense.

  • On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the next-generation nuclear reactor will be transported from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
  • Following the delivery, a formal press conference will be held at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, at 2:30 p.m. MT on February 15, 2026.

The players

Department of War (DoW)

A U.S. government department responsible for national defense and military operations.

Department of Energy (DoE)

A U.S. government department responsible for policies and programs related to energy, nuclear energy, and energy technology.

Valar Atomics

A company partnering with the DoW and DoE on this nuclear energy project.

Chris Wright

The Secretary of Energy.

Michael Duffey

The Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah.

Isaiah Taylor

The CEO of Valar Atomics.

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What they’re saying

“This groundbreaking collaboration with Valar Atomics is directly aligned with President Trump's Executive Order to reshape and modernize America's nuclear energy landscape.”

— Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy (miragenews.com)

“By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, we are not only enhancing our national security but championing a future of American energy dominance.”

— Michael Duffey, Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (miragenews.com)

What’s next

Following the delivery of the nuclear reactor to Utah, a formal press conference will be held at Hill Air Force Base, where government officials and the CEO of Valar Atomics will provide updates on the project and its significance for the nation's energy and defense capabilities.

The takeaway

This historic partnership between the Department of War and the Department of Energy showcases the government's commitment to modernizing the nation's nuclear energy infrastructure and enhancing energy resilience and strategic independence for the U.S. military and the country as a whole. The successful delivery and installation of the next-generation nuclear reactor in Utah represents a critical advancement in securing America's freedom and strength for generations to come.