US backs X-energy's nuclear microreactor to boost military power

The US Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Air Force have partnered with X-energy Reactor Company to advance the development of X-energy’s XENITH microreactor under the Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (ANPI) program. This initiative, aligned with a 2025 executive order, aims to deploy advanced nuclear microreactors at military installations to enhance national security by providing reliable, long-duration power. The XENITH microreactor is a high-temperature gas-cooled unit roughly the size of a shipping container, capable of generating 3-10 MW of electricity continuously for 20 years without refueling. Its compact footprint (under 2 acres), scalability, and advanced safety features—including helium coolant and multiple safety layers—make it suitable for integration with existing infrastructure, supporting military resilience and reducing dependence on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Beyond the XENITH, X-energy is also developing the Xe-100, a fourth-generation, high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed for