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Sustainability Times

“Pentagon Goes Nuclear Again”: U.S. Deploys Microreactor Test Beds to Secretly Power Remote Military Bases Without the Grid

Amid escalating global energy demands and environmental concerns, the U.S. is pioneering the development of microreactor test beds at the Idaho National Laboratory, promising a new era of efficient and reliable power generation.

Noah BennettNoah BennettJune 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM33
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IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🔋 The U.S. Department of Energy is advancing the development of microreactor test beds at Idaho National Laboratory to innovate nuclear energy.
  • 🚀 The test beds, named DOME and LOTUS, are designed to accelerate testing and deployment of small, factory-built reactors.
  • 🛡️ These microreactors can provide between 1 to 50 megawatts of reliable power to remote locations and military bases.
  • 📈 The initiative aligns with the U.S. strategy to enhance energy infrastructure and foster innovation in nuclear technology.

The U.S. is embarking on a groundbreaking journey to revolutionize energy production through the deployment of microreactor test beds. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), aims to establish the world’s first two microreactor test beds, named DOME and LOTUS. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the initiative seeks to expedite the development and testing of new microreactor technologies. This move is set to transform energy production, with the potential to supply reliable power to remote locations and military bases, while also boosting U.S. energy dominance and innovation.

Microreactors: Powering the Future

Microreactors are small-scale nuclear reactors, designed to provide between 1 to 50 megawatts of reliable power. As articulated by Rian Bahran, DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors, the deployment of these reactors is a strategic move to unleash American energy abundance and dominance. With a priority rating under the Defense Production Act, these test beds at INL are critical in starting what is being termed the American nuclear renaissance.

INL has taken proactive measures by submitting a special priorities request to the DOE, securing a priority rating authorization. This authorization is vital for contracts and orders related to constructing the DOME and LOTUS microreactor test beds. The microreactors, being factory-built, are not only efficient but also versatile, capable of providing power to a variety of locations, from remote areas to military installations and commercial operations.

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World’s First Fast-Spectrum, Salt-Fueled Reactor

The DOME and LOTUS test beds are being developed under the DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), with the goal of accelerating the demonstration and deployment of advanced reactor systems. The DOME test bed is repurposing the lab’s Experimental Breeder Reactor-II containment structure, aimed at reducing the risk associated with developing microreactor designs. These designs are capable of producing up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy.

LOTUS, on the other hand, will be part of the world’s first fast-spectrum, salt-fueled reactor test, a collaboration between Southern Company and TerraPower. Brad Tomer, Director of NRIC, emphasizes the importance of the priority rating in reducing time frames for securing necessary components and services, helping reactor developers stick to their timelines. This effort is a stepping stone toward a comprehensive reactor testing ecosystem, supporting developers from design through testing and decommissioning.

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Testing and Application Process

The DOME test bed is expected to host experimental reactors up to 20 megawatts thermal. It will use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) in an environment that supports nuclear systems going critical for the first time. Developers interested in scheduling their microreactor experiments can submit applications to the NRIC DOME test bed facility.

The DOE has released an application guide to assist developers through the submission process. The criteria for sequencing reactor experiments include technology readiness, fuel type and availability, regulatory approval plans, and the developer’s capabilities. This structured approach ensures that the most viable technologies are prioritized, fostering innovation and strategic growth in the nuclear energy sector.

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Implications for U.S. Energy Strategy

By prioritizing the development of microreactors, the U.S. is taking a bold step toward energy independence and security. These reactors promise to provide a consistent and reliable power source, which is crucial for remote military bases and other isolated locations. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with broader governmental goals to enhance energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The potential success of the DOME and LOTUS test beds could pave the way for widespread adoption of microreactor technology, potentially transforming the energy landscape. As the U.S. continues to innovate and lead in nuclear technology, the rest of the world will be watching closely. How will these advancements shape the future of global energy production and security?

Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article.

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Noah Bennett, journalist at Sustainability-Times.com, graduated from the University of British Columbia’s School of Journalism. Based in Los Angeles, he covers climate policy, green tech, circular economy, and wildlife conservation. Contact: [email protected]

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View 33 Comments
33 Comments
  1. claire on June 6, 2025 9:01 AM

    Wow, this sounds like a huge step forward in nuclear technology! 💡

    Reply
  2. John-Claudeguardian on June 6, 2025 9:09 AM

    Will these microreactors be safe from cyber attacks?

    Reply
  3. Anthony on June 6, 2025 9:12 AM

    Can’t wait to see the results of this project. Let’s hope it works out.

    Reply
  4. laura on June 6, 2025 9:15 AM

    Are there any environmental impacts being considered with these microreactors?

    Reply
  5. anissa on June 6, 2025 9:16 AM

    Sounds like a sci-fi movie plot! 👽

    Reply
  6. Christophernight4 on June 6, 2025 9:20 AM

    Thanks for the article. It was very informative!

    Reply
  7. Louis_mystery on June 6, 2025 9:22 AM

    Why isn’t more information being released to the public about this?

    Reply
  8. max on June 6, 2025 9:26 AM

    Does this mean we’ll rely less on fossil fuels in the near future?

    Reply
  9. chloedew on June 6, 2025 9:28 AM

    I’m skeptical about the idea of microreactors. What if they malfunction?

    Reply
  10. eleanortelescope on June 6, 2025 9:29 AM

    Great to see the U.S. leading in nuclear tech again!

    Reply
  11. stella on June 6, 2025 9:32 AM

    Isn’t it risky to have so many microreactors spread out? What about safety concerns?

    Reply
  12. Emilia on June 6, 2025 9:33 AM

    Does anyone know how microreactors are different from conventional nuclear reactors?

    Reply
  13. Janine on June 6, 2025 9:35 AM

    Hope they have a plan for dealing with nuclear waste. ☢️

    Reply
  14. William on June 6, 2025 9:38 AM

    Do we know how much this project is costing taxpayers?

    Reply
  15. bridget on June 6, 2025 9:40 AM

    How will these microreactors be maintained in remote locations?

    Reply
  16. Henrysun on June 6, 2025 9:43 AM

    Are these reactors being tested in areas with low population density?

    Reply
  17. Christopher5 on June 6, 2025 9:45 AM

    Sounds promising, but I’m worried about the secrecy. 🤨

    Reply
  18. bernard on June 6, 2025 9:48 AM

    Curious to see if other countries will follow suit now.

    Reply
  19. christinadarkness3 on June 6, 2025 9:51 AM

    Is there a timeline for when more information will be shared with the public?

    Reply
  20. samantha9 on June 6, 2025 9:55 AM

    Excited to see the potential of these reactors in action!

    Reply
  21. Celinecrescent on June 6, 2025 9:57 AM

    Great initiative! Hope it truly enhances our energy independence!

    Reply
  22. Hassandissolve on June 6, 2025 9:58 AM

    Can the public attend any demonstrations or see these reactors up close?

    Reply
  23. nadia on June 6, 2025 10:01 AM

    This is a great example of innovation in energy. Let’s hope it pays off! 🚀

    Reply
  24. alice3 on June 6, 2025 10:04 AM

    Are there any plans to use these microreactors for emergency disaster relief?

    Reply
  25. Nora_stream on June 6, 2025 10:04 AM

    Can these microreactors be used for civilian purposes too, or just military?

    Reply
  26. karim on June 6, 2025 10:06 AM

    Thanks for the update! Looking forward to more articles like this one.

    Reply
  27. fabian on June 6, 2025 10:34 AM

    I hope they know what they’re doing, I don’t want a mini Chernobyl in my backyard! 😬

    Reply
  28. Xavier on June 6, 2025 11:06 AM

    Interesting article! Thanks for shedding light on this topic.

    Reply
  29. Jack4 on June 6, 2025 11:36 AM

    How long until these microreactors are fully operational?

    Reply
  30. Francespearl on June 6, 2025 12:05 PM

    This is a great move towards clean energy. Way to go, DOE!

    Reply
  31. veronica on June 6, 2025 12:37 PM

    Why are they so secretive about the locations of these reactors? 🤔

    Reply
  32. Arnold on June 6, 2025 1:08 PM

    How do microreactors compare to traditional nuclear power plants in terms of cost?

    Reply
  33. Agnessong on June 6, 2025 1:38 PM

    Finally, some innovation in the energy sector!

    Reply
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Illustration of water molecules forming in the ancient universe. Image generated by AI.
“Water Found Beyond Earth”: Scientists Confirm It Formed Moments After the Big Bang in a Stunning Cosmic Revelation
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“Confirmed for the First Time”: Scientists Turn Light Into a Never-Before-Seen Solid With Reality-Bending Quantum Properties
Illustration of Europe harnessing the ocean’s thermal energy for sustainable development. Image generated by AI.
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