NANO Nuclear Energy has been awarded a contract from AFWERX, the innovation arm of the US Air Force, to evaluate the feasibility of deploying its KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. This initiative represents a significant milestone as it would be the first nuclear microreactor installed at an urban US military base. The project is particularly timely, given rising concerns regarding energy sustainability in the face of increasing demands from artificial intelligence data centers.
The partnership with the 11th Civil Engineering Squadron will focus on assessing energy needs, potential grid vulnerabilities, site selection, environmental considerations, and regulatory pathways. The findings will pave the way for the rapid deployment of similar projects across the country. The KRONOS MMR, a stationary, high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, is designed to deliver 15 megawatts electrical (MWe), operate autonomously during outages, and endure both cyber and physical threats. Utilizing TRISO fuel with passive helium cooling, it can be scaled up by combining multiple units.
Acquired by NANO Nuclear in January 2025, the KRONOS MMR is also set for research deployment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The company is actively developing further designs, including ZEUS, ODIN, and the space-focused LOKI. CEO James Walker described the contract as “another milestone for NANO Nuclear” and expressed confidence in the KRONOS MMR’s ability to provide “resilience, safety, and carbon-free generation.” Founder Jay Yu emphasized the reactor’s capabilities in protecting critical missions under demanding conditions, highlighting NANO Nuclear’s position in the microreactor landscape.
Interest in microreactor technology is growing within the defense sector, as evidenced by initiatives such as Project Pele at the Idaho National Laboratory and the ANPI program, which includes several contractors. Additionally, Oklo’s planned Aurora deployment in Alaska and recent collaborations with Radiant Nuclear and X-energy demonstrate a broader momentum in this field.
In a related development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced a US-UK nuclear agreement, promoting what he termed a “golden age of nuclear.” This announcement came just prior to former President Donald Trump‘s state visit, aiming to facilitate faster approvals, create jobs, and reduce energy costs, according to the Financial Times. The deal is expected to cut nuclear licensing times from three to four years to about two years.
“Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear,” stated Starmer during the announcement. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who previously served on the board of directors for Oklo, commended Trump for “ushering in a true nuclear renaissance.” The agreement also sees Rolls-Royce entering the US regulatory process for small modular reactors, while Centrica and X-energy announced a reactor project in Hartlepool. Although these plans are in the early stages and require financing and state support, they reflect a rising demand for low-carbon energy solutions.
The announcement follows a period of significant investment in the nuclear sector, with £1.25 billion of US financial services investment projected to create 1,800 jobs in the UK. This includes 1,000 jobs from Bank of America in Belfast, alongside substantial investments from Citigroup, BlackRock, and S&P Global.
These developments underscore the growing intersection of nuclear technology and energy policy, highlighting the strategic importance of nuclear power in meeting future energy needs. As NANO Nuclear moves forward with its plans, it represents a critical player in the evolving landscape of energy resilience and defense infrastructure.