Editor's note: The Air Force Office of Energy Assurance, part of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, has been involved in the development of the Eielson AFB microreactor pilot since its beginning, providing engineering and program management support throughout. The office participated in all source selection boards and will continue to support this pilot through the prototype process.
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) – The Department of the Air Force, in coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy Office, reached a critical milestone in piloting advanced nuclear energy technology with the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA) to Oklo, Inc. If ultimately awarded the contract, the offeror would be required to site, develop, and operate a licensed microreactor facility at a DAF installation selected for site exploration. Eielson Air Force Base, in Fairbanks, Alaska, is the DAF’s preferred location for the pilot, and the DAF and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are preparing an environmental analysis for the project as a next step. This initiative marks a potentially groundbreaking advancement for U.S. energy security, pioneering the first deployment of a commercial microreactor for the Department of Defense.
“This microreactor pilot could position Alaska and the nation at the forefront of energy innovation – leading us to a new era of safe, secure, and reliable energy,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “It has the potential to shape future approaches to powering national security infrastructure, especially in the Arctic—where energy reliability is vital in the face of evolving threats.”
This initiative is rooted in key legislative and executive initiatives, including Section 327 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act and the 2021 Executive Order 13972, which promotes small modular reactors for national defense and space exploration. Additionally, the announcement supports the current administration’s commitment to accelerating American energy production, strengthening national energy security, and the expansion of advanced nuclear energy technology for national security (EO 14154, Unleashing American Energy, EO 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency, and EO 14299, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security).
Microreactors are next-generation nuclear energy systems, capable of safely producing 1-50 megawatts (MW) of reliable, continuous electricity without requiring connection to the commercial grid. Designed for safety and security, these compact reactors can operate for years without refueling, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply at almost any location.
“We are excited to partner with Oklo to take a significant step toward enhancing energy security at our installations,” said Michael Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. “Following an extensive evaluation, Oklo was selected for their innovation, commitment to safety, and ability to support the mission-critical needs of this installation.”
The notice initiates the negotiation process to potentially award a 30-year, firm-fixed-price contract to Oklo, Inc. after successfully obtaining an NRC license.
“To achieve peace through strength and uphold National Defense Strategy priorities, the Department of the Air Force must ensure our installations promote lethality and readiness. Strengthening mission resilience, reducing dependence on vulnerable energy sources, and fielding next-generation technologies is integral to our ability to defend the homeland and project power globally,” said Nancy Balkus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment.
This important milestone is made possible in part by our strong federal partnerships with DLA Energy, Eielson Air Force Base, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and Idaho National Laboratory, along with the invaluable support of our state, local, Tribal, and academic partners in Alaska.
“As Eielson Air Force Base focuses on lethality and warfighting, the Iceman team is proud to continue our pioneering legacy. We are striving to become the first Department of Defense installation to host on-site advanced nuclear energy technology,” said Col. Paul Townsend, 354th Fighter Wing commander, Eielson Air Force Base. “Operating in extreme Arctic conditions to protect the homeland and ensure readiness for our 5th generation F-35A force demands 24/7 resilient and reliable energy generation, and this project would advance our posture to achieve national security objectives to be Ready to go at 50 below!”
For more information on the DAF Microreactor Pilot, or to learn more about microreactors, please visit: www.eielson.af.mil/microreactor/ or contact us with specific questions or concerns at: SAF.IEE.microreactorpilot@us.af.mil.