US Army launches new programme to power defence installations
The US Department of Army has introduced Janus programme, a nuclear power initiative designed to supply energy for national defence facilities and key operations.
The programme was announced at an Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting Warriors Corner panel.
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The Janus Program is being developed under Executive Order 14299, “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security”.
The order mandates that a nuclear reactor regulated by the Army must be operational at a domestic military installation by 30 September 2028.
The initiative will deploy small nuclear reactors designed to function without relying on the public electricity network.
The aim is to provide a continuous power source for military units in all locations. This effort involves working together with the Department of Energy
The Department of War has appointed the US Army as the executive agent for this mission, entrusting it with the leadership of the programme.
US Army secretary Dan Driscoll said: “The US Army is leading the way on fielding innovative and disruptive technology. We are shredding red tape and incubating next-generation capabilities in a variety of critical sectors, including nuclear power.”
Under this programme, commercial microreactors will be developed using a milestone-based contracting model in collaboration with the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU).
The reactors are expected to be commercially owned and operated, with milestone payments structured to support companies in establishing viable business cases for “Nth-of-a-kind” production.
The Army will supervise technical aspects, assisting in areas such as the uranium fuel cycle and broader nuclear supply chain management.
The Janus Program builds on insights gained from Project Pele, a transportable nuclear reactor project.
Project Pele represents the first Generation IV nuclear reactor for electricity production to commence construction outside of China.
Laboratory teams of the Department of Energy, who collaborated on the technical, legal, and policy elements of Project Pele, will also be involved in the programme.
Army installations, energy and environment principal deputy assistant secretary Dr Jeff Waksman said: “The Janus Program is going to deliver real hardware, not PowerPoint slides. By leveraging Army’s program management and oversight capabilities with the accomplishments of Project Pele, the US Army is ready to move forward at lightning speed to make next-generation nuclear power a reality.”
