• tal@lemmy.today
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    2 months ago

    https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3524458/dod-exercises-option-on-second-micro-nuclear-reactor-design/

    DOD Exercises Option on Second Micro Nuclear Reactor Design

    Sept. 13, 2023

    As part of the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) initiative Project Pele, the Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a contract option to X-energy, LLC of Rockville, Maryland in order to develop an enhanced engineering design for a transportable micro nuclear reactor.

    The DOD uses approximately 30 Terawatt-hours of electricity per year and more than 10 million gallons of fuel per day—levels that are only expected to increase due to anticipated electrification of the vehicle fleet and maturation of future energy-intensive capabilities. A safe, small, transportable nuclear reactor would address this growing demand with a resilient, carbon-free energy source that does not add to the DOD’s fuel needs, while supporting mission-critical operations in remote and austere environments.

    Way ahead of you.

    • Kusimulkku@lemm.ee
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      2 months ago

      That’s actually pretty cool but for a wartime setting that would be one huge, centralized and vulnerable target