The U.S. Air Force is planning to build its first nuclear microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska under a federal pilot program. The reactor, developed by Oklo, will be a liquid metal-cooled fast reactor. The Defense of Logistics Agency has issued a Notice of Intent to Award to select Oklo’s Aurora Powerhouse for the pilot project. The microreactor aims to provide reliable and flexible carbon-free energy for remote military installations. The project has the potential to improve power reliability and installation resilience, and it is part of the U.S. military’s efforts to explore advanced nuclear technology for defense energy procurement.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Air Force plans first nuclear microreactor | Adoption of nuclear microreactor technology | Increased use of nuclear microreactors in military installations | Mission assurance and reduced greenhouse gas emissions |
| Pilot program to build and operate licensed microreactor | Transition to licensed microreactors | More licensed microreactors in operation | Reliable and flexible carbon-free energy |
| Oklo selected to build and operate microreactor | Oklo’s involvement in microreactor construction and operation | Oklo’s expansion in microreactor projects | Deployment of U.S.-developed advanced nuclear technology |
| Oklo’s Aurora Powerhouse is a compact passive fast-spectrum reactor | Use of compact fast-spectrum reactors | Increased use of compact fast-spectrum reactors | Improved power reliability and installation resilience |
| Oklo seeking licensing for Idaho Falls project | Licensing of advanced non-light water reactors | Licensing of advanced non-light water reactors | Accelerated licensing process for subsequent deployments |
| Oklo reaches MOU with Centrus for fuel production | Procurement of fuel for microreactors | Increased availability of fuel for microreactors | Secure fuel supply for microreactors |