US conducts first airlift of Valar Atomics' Ward microreactor from California to Utah

Key facts

• The US Departments of Energy and Defense airlifted a fuel-free Ward microreactor from March Air Force Base, California to Hill Air Force Base, Utah aboard a C-17 cargo aircraft.
• The reactor, developed by California-based Valar Atomics, is slightly larger than a minivan and can generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 5,000 homes.
• Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey accompanied the reactor on the flight.
• The demonstration aims to validate rapid deployment of nuclear power for military and civilian use, with the reactor scheduled to begin operating at 100 kilowatts in July and peak at 250 kilowatts this year.
• Valar Atomics plans to start test power sales in 2027 and reach full commercial operations in 2028.
• The Energy Department targets three microreactors to achieve criticality by July 4.
• Fuel for the reactor will be transported from the Nevada National Security Site to the San Rafael facility.
• Critics, including Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists, question the economic viability and radioactive waste management of microreactors.