Alabama's federal delegation dispatched a letter earlier this week addressed to Secretary of the U.S. Army Dan Driscoll, requesting that Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville become a future microreactor power plant site.
The U.S. Army is currently selecting three sites in the United States to support its Project Janus Micro-Reactor pilot program. Project Janus is the Army's initiative to develop and deploy nuclear power technology to power military installations, independent of the commercial grid.
"We write today to express our strong support for selecting Redstone Arsenal (RSA), Alabama, as one of the three sites to support the U.S. Army's Project Janus Micro-Reactor pilot program," the legislators wrote.
"RSA's mission-critical tenants currently require 75 MW of power. This demand is expected to double by 2030. The substantial and growing power requirement, combined with the installation's existing infrastructure and local expertise, makes RSA the ideal candidate for deploying a Microreactor Power Plant (MPP)."
The lawmakers noted the characteristics of Redstone Arsenal that make it an ideal location for a Micro-Reactor Power Plant.
"RSA's infrastructure provides the security and logistics needed for micro-reactor deployment. The installation spans 38,000 acres, including 14,700 developable acres, ensuring proper security and standoff distance for a Project Janus site. It also offers secure access to land, rail, air, and water transportation, which will be essential for moving necessary materials, personnel, and spent fuel."
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), who represents the district where the base is located, led the letter to Driscoll.
"Redstone Arsenal has the people, the expertise, the infrastructure, and the mission set to ensure Project Janus' success," Strong said in a press release. "North Alabama is ready to support this pilot program, and I will continue working to ensure Redstone remains at the top of the list."
Redstone Arsenal is one of nine installations under consideration to host a future Micro-Reactor Power Plant. The Army expects to select three installations to host the pilot program by mid-2026.
Find the full letter here.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
