Editor's note: The, part of the , has been involved in the development of the Eielson AFB microreactor pilot since its beginning, providing engineering and program management support throughout.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Department of the Air Force, in collaboration with the Defense Logistics Agency-Energy, is propelling forward its groundbreaking microreactor pilot at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. This initiative aligns with the Department’s strategic push to enhance energy security, resilience, and mission readiness through advanced nuclear technology.
From Aug. 25–27, the bi-annual Council for the Microreactor Pilot (CAMP) convened in Fairbanks, bringing together senior DAF leaders, federal and Tribal representatives, state and local officials, academic institutions, and industry experts. The multi-day event served as a pivotal moment to advance the pilot and foster meaningful engagement with the local community.
A key highlight of CAMP was the participation of Oklo, Inc., the selected offeror who received a Notice of Intent to Award in May—marking a major milestone for the pilot. If awarded the contract, Oklo would be responsible for siting, developing, operating, and decommissioning a microreactor licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The DAF selected Eielson AFB as the preferred site based on its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and critical mission profile. The first-of-its-kind proposed microreactor would deliver 5 megawatts of electricity plus steam directly to the base’s essential operations, offering a resilient, off-grid power source in one of the nation’s most remote and demanding environments.
The week culminated in a well-attended public town hall on Aug. 27, moderated by Dr. Mike Sfraga, Ambassador (ret.) and Interim Chancellor at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks. Over 120 community members gathered to learn how the DAF is leveraging advanced nuclear solutions to ensure safe, secure, resilient and reliable power.
"This pilot is about more than just powering Eielson Air Force Base," said Nancy Balkus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment. "It's about demonstrating the potential of advanced nuclear to enhance energy security for the Air Force, the State of Alaska, and the rest of the nation. We are creating a playbook that can be used to deploy these technologies safely and effectively wherever they are needed."
Initiated in response to the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, the pilot is further supported by recent Executive Orders, including “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security” issued in May. These directives underscore the urgency of securing domestically sourced energy for military operations, especially in austere and unpredictable environments.
"Our missions require us to operate 24/7, regardless of weather conditions or external grid vulnerabilities," Col Johnston, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, explained. "A resilient energy supply is essential to maintaining our readiness and ensuring we can respond to any threat. This microreactor pilot offers the potential to significantly enhance our energy security and support our critical missions here at Eielson."
Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, microreactors are compact, modular, and capable of operating independently from the electrical grid. They feature passive safety systems that automatically shut down the reactor in case of anomalies, explained Dr. Jess Gehin, Associate Laboratory Director at Idaho National Laboratory.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission plays a vital role in ensuring safety and environmental compliance. Laura Willingham, NRC Environmental Project Manager, outlined the agency's rigorous two-part review process, encompassing both safety and environmental evaluations.
"Oklo is committed to providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy on a global scale," said Bill Goodwin, Chief Legal & Strategy Officer at Oklo. "Our goal is to own and operate the microreactor, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a long-term commitment to the community."
Looking ahead, the department views the microreactor pilot as a pathfinder for future energy innovation across the Department of Defense. Insights gained from this deployment will inform best practices, streamline regulatory pathways, and shape the next generation of resilient energy solutions.
For more information on the microreactor pilot, visit www.eielson.af.mil/microreactor/.