Can nuclear energy fill critical gaps in the military energy portfolio? COL Paul E. Roege Army Capabilities Integration Center 12 May 2011

Can nuclear energy fill critical gaps in the military energy portfolio?
COL Paul E. Roege Army Capabilities Integration Center 12 May 2011


Colonel Paul E. Roege of the U.S. Army Capabilities Integration Center offered an interesting analysis of the logistic problems confronting the modern U.S. Army and the potential economic benefits of SMRs.

The military is willing to enable the construction of first of kind new nuclear reactors that would not require approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Pentagon, Roege said, could be able and willing to offer licensing capability for companies building LFTRs or other forms of innovative nuclear power reactors. Most thorium advocates agree that the NRC is unlikely in the near term to license alternative reactor designs – even ones, like LFTRs, that have been thoroughly proven out in operation. Given the military’s need for clean, modular, transportable energy sources for forward operating bases, the swiftest routes to a license could be through the Army, which has the regulatory authority to approve new reactors for military bases without NRC involvement. In the traditional licensing process, Roege said, “Innovative reactors are at the end of the line. That obstacle could potentially could be overcome if we pursue military applications.”

Energy alternatives to produce 50 MW of power in theater
• 3600 gallon per hour diesel fuel
• 5 million sq ft of solar array (~100 acres)
• 35ton/hr biomass (switchgrass)
• 50 ton nuclear reactor