SMRs for Military Readiness
Critical Energy, Unparalleled Defense, Rapid Deployment
Small Modular Reactors
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has shown increasing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to address two critical vulnerabilities: the dependence of U.S. military bases on the civilian electrical grid and the challenge of reliably supplying energy to troops in forward operating locations.
The interest in SMRs is driven by their ability to enhance security, potential to reduce global stockpiles of weapons-grade material and recycle “radioactive waste”, all while providing critical infrastructure support for military installations worldwide.
This interest is reflected in projects like Project Dilithium, initiated by the Pentagon to develop portable nuclear reactors. These reactors aim to be less than 40 tons in total weight, small enough for transport by truck, ship, and aircraft, and capable of semi-autonomous operation for at least three years without refueling.
SMRs can produce power outputs ranging from 10 to 300 MWe. They are designed for off-site mass manufacturing and on-location assembly. They would be a substantial advancement for military installations enabling energy security, long term sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. Despite these advantages, the challenges, such as public security concerns and complex regulatory frameworks slow their development to decade timeframes.
A standard four-module arrangement of these reactors could fit inside a standard ISO shipping container, with the capability to generate between three and 13 megawatts and an operational lifespan of up to 60 years. The U.S. Army, as part of its efforts to ensure its brigade combat teams can operate for extended periods without resupply, is exploring this use of mobile nuclear reactors on the battlefield. The reactors are also seen as a way to reduce the logistical burden and costs associated with supplying fuel to remote and austere locations.
Despite these potential benefits, media always brings up concerns about the safety and security of these reactors, especially in combat zones. Critics argue that relying on encapsulation for containment of nuclear materials could be dangerous, and there's the risk of radioactive materials being scattered in the event of an attack. The Army's own reporting acknowledges the challenges of surviving a direct kinetic attack.
However, proponents of the technology emphasize the resilience of the newer designs, such as high-temperature gas reactors using high-assay low-enriched uranium tristructural isotropic fuel, which offer more safety measures than older generation reactors. Molten Salts and burial systems can also mitigate dangers presented by most forms of attack.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has been developing its capabilities in the area of SMR technology, contributing to the broader efforts of the U.S. in exploring and advancing this technology. These capabilities include research and development in line with the Department of Energy's goals and guidelines.
Overall, SMRs hold great promise for military applications, particularly in terms of operational efficiency and reducing logistical challenges. This of course needs to be balanced with material security and battle hardened designs.
I will note that the CCP and China already have designs they are testing, the United States will fall behind if the regulatory burdens are not reduced.
Fortunately there were some murmurs of regulatory burden reduction this week. The Atomic Energy Advancement Act, also known as H.R. 6544, is a “bipartisan” bill that aims to modernize and streamline the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and its processes. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on February 28, 2024, with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The main goals of the Atomic Energy Advancement Act are:
To improve the efficiency and predictability of the NRC's licensing and regulatory processes for nuclear energy projects.
To support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors.
To reduce fees for advanced nuclear reactor applicants and promote workforce development in the nuclear energy sector.
As of now, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act is awaiting consideration by the Senate. A similar bill, the ADVANCE Act (S. 3218), was previously passed by the Senate but was pulled out of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House. It is expected that the two bills will go to conference for further discussion and potential reconciliation.
If you'd like to learn more about the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, I recommend checking out the following resources:
House Passes Bipartisan Atomic Energy Advancement Act, Including Rep. Bucshon's Advanced Reactor Fee Reduction Act (https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-atomic-energy-advancement-act-including-rep)
Is this the year for bipartisan action on advanced nuclear? (https://www.eenews.net/articles/signature-house-nuclear-package-to-get-a-floor-vote/)
CRES Applauds House Passage of Atomic Energy Advancement Act (https://cresenergy.com/cres-applauds-house-passage-of-atomic-energy-advancement-act/)
I must admit my pessimism for anything the federal government attempts to improve.. From what I have read and observed, their good intentions do not usually pan out. Reduction and sunset of laws/regulations is preferable to subsidies or federal funding.
However, I believe is that with the rapid acceleration of AI technology, it will demand reliable power sources like fission and Molten Salt Reactor technology. The data-centers of today are the brains of the robots tomorrow. I am working with AI now to build reactor simulations which can provide a way to experiment and iterate much faster and cheaper than with physical materials.
Despite the experimentation which is missing, I think through a data/AI driven core design approach we can go from idea to tests to prototype too production much faster than anyone can imagine today. When the time comes, we will bring forth the energy required to maintain the spirit of American freedom first at home and then throughout the world.
The golden age of industrialization brought unparalleled prosperity to more people than any other time in history, the digital age is just getting started.