Small Nuclear Reactors for Military Installations: Capabilities, Costs, and Technological Implications

Authors

Richard B. Andres, National War College and Center for Strategic Research, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Hanna L. Brett, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Files

Description

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has become increasingly interested in the potential of small (less than 300 megawatts electric [MWe]) nuclear reactors for military use. DOD’s attention to small reactors stems mainly from two critical vulnerabilities it has identified in its infrastructure and operations: the dependence of U.S. military bases on the fragile civilian electrical grid, and the challenge of safely and reliably supplying energy to troops in forward operating locations. DOD has responded to these challenges with an array of initiatives on energy efficiency and renewable and alternative fuels. Unfortunately, even with massive investment and ingenuity, these initiatives will be insufficient to solve DOD’s reliance on the civilian grid or its need for convoys in forward areas. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prospects for addressing these critical vulnerabilities through small-scale nuclear plants.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

2-2011

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Recommended Citation

Andres, Richard B. and Brett, Hanna L., "Small Nuclear Reactors for Military Installations: Capabilities, Costs, and Technological Implications" (2011). Strategic Forums. 62.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/strategic-forums/62