Air Force chooses Eielson Air Force Base as preferred location for DoD nuclear microreactor
10.25.21
Announcement follows Murkowski’s firm support for Advanced Nuclear
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded the Department of Defense (DoD) for selecting Eielson Air Force Base as the preferred pilot site for the Air Force’s first nuclear microreactor. As a senior member of the Senate Grant Committee, Senator Murkowski has helped secure significant funding for the development of nuclear microreactors and advanced the development of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. During her tenure as Chair of the Senate’s Energy Committee, Murkowski enacted her bill, the 2020 Energy Act, which includes provisions to support modern nuclear reactors.
“Strong energy capabilities are critical to our national security and geopolitical interests. Given Alaska’s strategic location, Alaska’s selection of Eielson Air Force Base as the preferred pilot site for the Department of the Air Force’s first nuclear microreactor is major news. This is an exciting development for Alaska and is helping to expand our state’s energy infrastructure. I commend the DoD for investing in smart, safe, and clean next-generation energy efforts, ”said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Implementing microreactor technology will open up clean and resilient energy opportunities that will boost our economy and strengthen our national security infrastructure without the concerns of a large nuclear reactor. Eielson Air Force Base, home to a growing fleet of F35 aircraft, is an excellent choice for a microreactor thanks to the energy infrastructure already in place, climatic conditions, and the willingness of Alaskan soldiers and their communities to pursue this important energy and defense strategy Opportunities. ”
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Background: The 2019 Fiscal Year National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) required the DoD to identify potential sites for the installation, construction and operation of a microreactor pilot project by the US nuclear regulatory agency. The Air Force is working to publish a tender and select a provider in fiscal 2022. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, provided all required environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the NRC are completed.
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