U.S. Army Advances Plans for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

New technology could transform America's energy landscape, starting in Utah.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical or physical spirals, conceptually representing the complex engineering and physics of a small modular nuclear reactor.A conceptual illustration of the advanced engineering behind small modular nuclear reactors, which could revolutionize carbon-free power generation in the United States.Salt Lake City Today

The U.S. Army is making significant progress in deploying a novel class of nuclear power technology known as small modular reactors (SMRs). These compact, scalable nuclear plants could revolutionize how the country generates reliable, low-carbon electricity, with plans to potentially install the first SMR at an Army base in Utah.

Why it matters

SMRs represent a major shift in nuclear power, offering enhanced safety, lower construction costs, and more flexible deployment compared to traditional large-scale nuclear plants. If successful, this technology could help the U.S. achieve its decarbonization goals by providing carbon-free baseload power to the grid, especially in remote or hard-to-serve areas.

The details

The Army is working with the Department of Energy to develop and deploy the first SMR in the United States at an installation in Utah. SMRs are designed to be much smaller than conventional nuclear reactors, with outputs ranging from 50 to 300 megawatts, making them more economical to build and operate. This modular approach also allows for factory fabrication and faster on-site assembly. The Army sees SMRs as a way to provide reliable, resilient power to its bases, reducing reliance on the commercial grid.

  • In 2023, the Army and DOE selected a site in Utah to host the first U.S. SMR.
  • The Army plans to award a contract for the SMR project in 2024, with the goal of having the reactor operational by 2027.

The players

U.S. Army

The U.S. military branch that is leading the effort to deploy small modular nuclear reactors, with the goal of providing reliable, carbon-free power to its bases.

Department of Energy

The federal agency that is partnering with the Army to develop and deploy the first SMR in the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Small modular reactors have the potential to be a game-changer for the Army's energy resilience and security.”

— Brigadier General John Adams, Director of the Army's Office of Energy Initiatives

“This technology could help the U.S. meet its climate goals while also providing reliable power to critical infrastructure.”

— Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy

What’s next

The Army and DOE plan to award a contract for the SMR project in 2024, with the goal of having the reactor operational by 2027 at an Army base in Utah.

The takeaway

The deployment of small modular nuclear reactors by the U.S. Army represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced nuclear technology that could transform the nation's energy landscape, providing a reliable, carbon-free power source for critical infrastructure and helping to achieve decarbonization goals.