S. 2389: Advanced Reactor Modernization for Operational Resilience Act of 2025
The Advanced Reactor Modernization for Operational Resilience Act of 2025, also known as the ARMOR Act, aims to enhance the energy resilience of Army installations through the implementation of advanced nuclear reactor technology. The bill includes the following key components:
Pilot Program for Resilient Energy
The Secretary of the Army, in partnership with the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, is required to establish a pilot program that aims to provide a stable energy source for vital infrastructure within Army installations. This will involve:
- Deploying a fixed facility advanced nuclear micro-reactor or small modular reactor.
- Selecting locations for the deployment from various Army installations across the United States.
- Aiming to deliver this energy solution by December 31, 2030.
Key Considerations for the Pilot Program
The Secretary of the Army will take into account several factors when implementing the pilot program, including:
- Whether the reactor should be operated by a contractor.
- Licensing regulations that must be followed, including obtaining approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
- The feasibility of co-locating the reactors with artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers.
Reactor Capability Requirements
Any advanced nuclear reactor established under this pilot program must have certain capabilities, including:
- A power generation capacity of up to 300 megawatts.
- The ability to connect to the commercial power grid, allowing for the sale of any excess energy produced.
Licensing and Regulatory Support
The bill mandates that licensing for advanced reactors involved in the pilot program be prioritized under existing regulations, which aims to facilitate faster deployment of these technologies.
Expansion of the Pilot Program
Other military departments may request to join the pilot program, potentially extending the use of advanced nuclear reactors for energy needs at their respective installations, contingent upon consent from the Secretary of Defense.
Funding Provisions
Funding for the pilot program's execution can be drawn from any available budget appropriations allocated for its purposes. The engagement of multi-year contracts for energy operations from advanced nuclear reactors is also specified, potentially lasting up to 50 years.
Modification of Technology Categories
The legislation updates the list of covered technologies overseen by the Office of Strategic Capital within the Department of Defense, clearly including nuclear energy and technologies. This gives nuclear advancements a strategic position within defense operations.
Termination of Authority
The authority to develop and construct advanced nuclear reactors under this act will last until December 31, 2035.
Relevant Companies
- NEE - NextEra Energy: As a major player in the energy sector, NextEra Energy could be impacted in terms of competition for energy generation technologies if the Army's pilot program successfully demonstrates nuclear reactor capabilities.
- DNN - Denison Mines Corp: This company may see an increase in demand for uranium or other resources used in advanced nuclear reactors, influencing its market position.
- BE - Bloom Energy: This firm focuses on clean energy solutions and could be affected by the integration of advanced nuclear technologies within military energy strategies.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jul. 23, 2025 | Introduced in Senate |
| Jul. 23, 2025 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. |
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