SAN ANTONIO – Joint Base San Antonio has been selected as a potential site for a nuclear microreactor as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen energy resilience at military installations.
The Department of the Air Force, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, announced the selection as part of its Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations initiative. The program aims to develop and operate small-scale nuclear reactors to provide reliable, on-site power for critical missions.
Joint Base San Antonio is one of three locations chosen for the project, alongside Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.
Antares Nuclear Incorporated, the company behind the project, says it can ensure power runs at bases even during grid outages, severe weather, and cyber threats.
Still, some say they are worried about the safety risks associated with nuclear reactors and possible meltdowns. The company says its reactors can automatically shut down in emergencies without human intervention.
We spoke with Bexar County Commissioner Moody and San Antonio Councilwoman Misty Spears, who have had conversations with Antares officials. They say they are pretty confident the project will happen.
“JBSA has been working on this for a long time, and they’re moving forward really marching forward,” said Bexar County Commissioner Moody.
“We’re working on how we can help people understand that this is a different nuclear energy model than what we’ve seen in the past,” said San Antonio Councilwoman Misty Spears.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
The Department of the Air Force, along with the Defense Innovation Unit, hopes to have one installed by 2030.