CRANE, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana will receive its first small-scale nuclear reactor by September 2028 at Naval Weapons Station Crane.
The Department of War announced the project to ensure the base has a dedicated power source independent of the public electric grid. The Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) is part of a yearslong effort to modernize military energy infrastructure and restore American leadership in the nuclear industry, the department said in a Wednesday news release.
Emil Michael, the undersecretary of war for research and engineering, said in the release that the department is moving quickly to deploy new energy technology. He noted that these upgrades are necessary to ensure military bases have the resilient infrastructure needed to stay running at all times.
Mike Dodd, the assistant secretary of war for critical technologies, said in the release that the department’s goal is to move technology from the testing phase to the field within 24 months. He said the project is a focused effort to give the military a decisive advantage through reliable power.
The project is a joint effort between the Army, Navy and the Indiana government.
Assistant Secretary of the Army W. Jordan Gillis said the partnership shows how the military can work with private industry to create more reliable power systems.
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Brendan Rogers added that the reactor will help protect the base’s infrastructure from physical and cyberthreats.
The initiative follows coordination with Indiana leaders, including Gov. Mike Braun and U.S. Sen. Jim Banks. Sen. Todd Young and U.S. Reps. Erin Houchin and Mark Messmer also supported the project.
The department will continue working with local and state partners on safety and environmental reviews as the project moves forward.
