NANO Nuclear Energy has secured a contract from AFWERX, the innovation arm of the US Air Force, to evaluate the feasibility of deploying its KRONOS microreactor at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, DC. This project represents the first nuclear microreactor to be installed at an urban US military base, marking a significant step toward enhancing energy resilience in defense operations. The initiative comes at a crucial time when concerns are rising about the United States’ energy infrastructure, particularly with the increasing demand for power to support artificial intelligence data centers.
Under this contract, NANO Nuclear will collaborate with the 11th Civil Engineering Squadron to assess various factors, including energy needs, grid vulnerabilities, site selection, environmental considerations, and regulatory pathways. The insights gained from this study are expected to pave the way for the accelerated implementation of similar projects across military installations.
The KRONOS MMR is a high-temperature gas-cooled microreactor designed to deliver 15 megawatts electric (MWe). It is engineered to operate autonomously for extended periods, even during outages, and is built to withstand both cyber and physical threats. Utilizing TRISO fuel with passive helium cooling, this microreactor can scale by linking multiple units together. NANO Nuclear acquired the KRONOS MMR in January 2025, and it is also slated for research deployment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
NANO Nuclear is actively developing additional microreactor designs, including ZEUS, ODIN, and the space-focused LOKI. CEO James Walker described the contract as a “milestone” for the company, emphasizing the resilience, safety, and carbon-free energy generation capabilities of the KRONOS MMR. Founder Jay Yu noted that the microreactor is tailored to support critical missions in demanding environments, further establishing NANO Nuclear’s role as a leader in integrating microreactors into the defense sector.
The interest in microreactors within the defense community is growing, with several projects underway, including Project Pele at the Idaho National Laboratory and the ANPI program, which involves multiple contractors. Additionally, Oklo is planning to deploy its Aurora reactor in Alaska, alongside recent agreements involving Radiant Nuclear and X-energy.
In a related development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced a US-UK nuclear agreement that aims to usher in a “golden age of nuclear power.” This announcement was made ahead of Donald Trump‘s state visit to the UK and emphasizes the need for faster regulatory approvals, job creation, and reduced energy costs. The deal is expected to cut nuclear licensing timelines from 3–4 years to approximately 2 years.
Starmer expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear.” Chris Wright, the US Secretary of Energy, praised Trump’s efforts in promoting a nuclear renaissance, highlighting the significance of the current nuclear initiatives.
As part of this announcement, Rolls-Royce has initiated the US regulatory process for small modular reactors, while Centrica and X-energy have revealed plans for a reactor project in Hartlepool. Although these projects are still in the early stages and require financing and government support, they reflect a growing demand for low-carbon energy solutions.
In addition, the UK government welcomed £1.25 billion in US financial services investment, expected to create approximately 1,800 jobs in the UK. This includes 1,000 jobs from Bank of America in Belfast and significant investments from Citigroup, along with expansions by BlackRock and S&P Global.
These developments highlight the increasing momentum in the nuclear sector, which has seen substantial growth over the past 18 months. The focus on nuclear energy as a viable solution for the future aligns with the broader push for sustainable energy sources to meet growing global demands.
