Buckley Space Force Base and Malmstrom Air Force Base have been shortlisted under the Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (ANPI) program, delivered in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit.
The initiative is designed to provide reliable, on-site power generation to ensure critical missions can continue uninterrupted, particularly during grid disruptions or in contested environments.
Under the ANPI model, nuclear microreactors will be owned and operated by commercial providers. Industry partners are expected to take responsibility for the full life cycle of the systems, including siting, licensing, construction, operation and eventual decommissioning.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Nancy Balkus said the program would play a key role in maintaining the service’s operational edge.
“Advancing next-generation nuclear energy strengthens the energy security of our power projection platforms while supporting broader national energy leadership,” she said.
The two bases were selected following detailed assessments conducted by Air Force specialists in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The evaluation considered environmental factors, nuclear safety requirements and the ability to integrate new power systems into existing infrastructure.
Both locations were found to offer suitable land availability, established utility networks and significant mission demands, making them strong candidates for early deployment.
In the next phase of the program, each base will be matched with a commercial reactor developer whose technology best meets its specific energy requirements. Initial deployment is targeted for 2030 or earlier.
The ANPI effort is separate from an existing microreactor pilot underway at Eielson Air Force Base, which is focused on demonstrating the feasibility of the technology at a single site.
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