US Military Transports Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor to Utah
The U.S. military successfully transported the Ward 250 micro nuclear reactor to Utah on March 16, 2026, via three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft as part of 'Operation Windlord,' for testing at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. As of March 16, 2026: The 5-megawatt reactor, capable of powering approximately 5,000 homes, is positioned for testing, with a target of achieving reactor criticality by July 4, 2026, under Executive Order 14301. This historic airlift, the first time a nuclear reactor has been moved by this type of aircraft, follows a formal press conference on February 15, 2026, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, involving the Secretary of Energy and Undersecretary of War. Concurrently, TerraPower LLC received federal approval on March 4, 2026, to build America's first commercial plant using next-generation reactor technology in Wyoming, expected to be operational by 2031.
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March 2026 — 2 developments
The U.S. military has transported a micro nuclear reactor, the Ward 250, to Utah as part of 'Operati…
The U.S. military has transported a micro nuclear reactor, the Ward 250, to Utah as part of 'Operation Windlord,' utilizing three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The reactor, designed to generate 5 megawatts, will be tested at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. This operation is a significant step in advancing portable nuclear technology.
TerraPower LLC, a nuclear power company backed by Bill Gates, received federal approval on March 4, …
TerraPower LLC, a nuclear power company backed by Bill Gates, received federal approval on March 4, 2026, to build America's first commercial plant using next-generation reactor technology. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) granted TerraPower a construction permit for its Natrium reactor in Wyoming. The company expects the plant to be operational by 2031.
February 2026 — 5 developments
The Pentagon and Energy Department airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah, demonstrating the potential for rapid nuclear power deployment.
The Pentagon and Energy Department airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah, demonstrating the potential for rapid nuclear power deployment. The reactor can generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 5,000 homes. This initiative aligns with the Trump administration's push to promote nuclear energy for military and civilian use, including meeting demand from artificial intelligence and data centers.
Following the reactor's arrival, a formal press conference was held at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, fe…
Following the reactor's arrival, a formal press conference was held at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, featuring key officials including the Secretary of Energy, Undersecretary of War, Governor of Utah, and CEO of Valar Atomics, to discuss the initiative and its implications for national security and energy dominance.
A next-generation mobile nuclear reactor was successfully transported via C-17 aircraft from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
A next-generation mobile nuclear reactor was successfully transported via C-17 aircraft from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. This historic airlift is the first time a nuclear reactor has been moved by this type of aircraft and is a crucial step in the testing and evaluation phase at the Utah San Rafael Energy Research Center.
The Department of War and Department of Energy officially announced the joint initiative to transpor…
The Department of War and Department of Energy officially announced the joint initiative to transport and test an advanced nuclear reactor developed by Valar Atomics, detailing the departure date and destination, and referencing Executive Order 14301 with a target of achieving reactor criticality by July 4, 2026.
The Department of War and Department of Energy announced their partnership and the upcoming transpor…
The Department of War and Department of Energy announced their partnership and the upcoming transport of a next-generation nuclear reactor, outlining the plan to move it from California to Utah for testing and evaluation, and setting a press conference for February 15th.
September 2023 — 1 developments
The Department of the Air Force, in collaboration with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, selected Oklo Inc.
The Department of the Air Force, in collaboration with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, selected Oklo Inc. to build and operate a micro-reactor facility, showing progress in integrating nuclear power at military installations.
April 2022 — 1 developments
The U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to build a mobile nuclear micro-reactor for field pow…
The U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to build a mobile nuclear micro-reactor for field power supply, signaling continued interest and development in deployable nuclear energy solutions.
March 2021 — 1 developments
Contracts were awarded for the final prototype of the Pentagon's transportable nuclear microreactor, indicating early development stages for this technology.
Contracts were awarded for the final prototype of the Pentagon's transportable nuclear microreactor, indicating early development stages for this technology.