The Army has chosen Fort Drum in New York's Jefferson County as one of nine bases to be evaluated for an advanced small-scale nuclear power plant, Army officials announced today.
The Army’s plan is to have commercial companies build nuclear plants capable of producing up to 20 megawatts to provide power at military installations. A traditional nuclear plant, by contrast, generates about 500 to 1,300 megawatts.
The effort is referred to as the Janus Program.
Final decisions have yet to be made about which of the sites will get new nukes, but Army officials said they intend to choose as many sites as possible.
“The Army is committed to maximizing the number of sites based on technical feasibility, site suitability, and available resources,’’ the news release said.
The other eight sites are: Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Tennessee; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; and Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.
The Army’s initiative at Fort Drum coincides with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to develop at least 1,000 megawatts of new nuclear capacity in New York by no later than 2040. The state power authority is currently soliciting proposals from developers.
The Army’s initiative is likely to move ahead quickly compared with past nuclear developments.
President Trump signed four executive orders in May aimed at advancing nuclear power. Among other provisions, the president ordered military officials to collaborate with the Department of Energy to install a reactor at a military installation and begin operations by 2028.
Unlike nuclear operators who sell power in commercial markets, the military is not required to obtain a license to operate from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
In their news release, military officials said they will welcome feedback from host communities as the Janus Program proceeds.
“The Army is committed to providing transparent information throughout the planning process and welcomes public engagement and feedback,’' the release said.
State and national lawmakers from Upstate New York have lobbied for at least a year for Fort Drum’s selection.
Fort Drum had its own power supply until 2023, when the owners of a wood-burning power plant that supplied the base shut the plant down after failing to win renewed state subsidies. Since then, the base has drawn power from the statewide electric grid, said Assemblyman Scott Gray, R- Watertown.
“Today’s development is a strong signal of confidence in Fort Drum, the surrounding region and communities that have worked to position themselves for this opportunity,’' Gray said in a prepared statement. ”The momentum behind advanced nuclear development is real, and Fort Drum is well-situated to lead."
Officials at Fort Drum could not be reached immediately for comment.
Home to the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum has about 15,000 soldiers and 3,700 civilian workers.
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