Governments globally are accelerating development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors as part of broader nuclear energy initiatives, with the United States emerging as a primary driver of innovation in the sector. SMRs operate at up to 300 megawatts of electrical capacity, roughly one-third that of conventional reactors, and offer advantages including factory production, transportability, lower construction costs, and faster deployment timelines compared to traditional nuclear facilities.
Microreactors represent an even smaller category of nuclear technology, designed to generate between 1 and 20 megawatts of thermal energy. These compact units can be transported via truck, boat, or aircraft, making them suitable for remote locations without grid connectivity and potentially valuable for disaster response scenarios. Microreactors are engineered with simplified, self-adjusting designs requiring minimal specialized operators and incorporate safety mechanisms to prevent overheating and meltdown risks. Units are expected to operate for up to a decade without refueling.
The U.S. commitment to advanced reactor technologies is underscored by federal policy support and substantial funding commitments. In July, Texas-based Aalo achieved criticality at its Critical Test Reactor following an accelerated development timeline. More significantly, the U.S. Army announced plans in August to distribute up to $2.2 billion among five companies—Antares Nuclear, BWX Technologies, General Atomics, Radiant Industries, and Westinghouse Government Services—to construct microreactors at military installations in North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, and New York.
These projects operate under a mandate to deploy at least one operational microreactor by the third quarter of 2028. The initiative follows an executive order establishing the Army as the lead agency for military nuclear energy development. Government officials characterize these deployments as foundational efforts that will advance the broader ecosystem of advanced reactor technologies domestically. Private sector participants are expected to secure additional billions in financing to support construction and development activities.
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