ARMOR Act of 2025

This proposal aims to power key Army bases with small, advanced nuclear reactors to keep the lights on during outages and cut reliance on the grid. The Army would test one or more fixed reactors on selected U.S. bases, with a goal to have reliable power in place by the end of 2030. The reactors could be up to 300 megawatts, connect to the local grid to sell extra power, and may be placed next to AI and data centers to meet growing energy needs. Other military branches could join later. Licensing for these reactors would get priority from federal nuclear regulators. Costs could come from existing funds, and the special authority to build these reactors ends in 2035 .

It also lets the military sign long contracts—up to 50 years—to run these reactors, which can help attract private investment. The value of base land can count toward what the military pays. And “nuclear energy” and “nuclear technologies” would be added to a Defense Department program that backs key new technologies, making it easier to support projects in this space .

• Who is affected: Army bases first, with a chance for other services to join; nearby communities could see more stable power and potential grid benefits .
• What changes: Pilot reactors on bases; option to sell extra electricity; faster licensing; very long-term power contracts; nuclear tech added to a key defense investment program .
• When: Target by December 31, 2030 for resilient power; building authority ends December 31, 2035; contracts can last up to 50 years .