U.S. Army’s Mobile Nuclear Power Leap: Project Pele Microreactor Gets First TRISO Fuel at INL

Project Pele Microreactor Reaches Key Milestone as TRISO Fuel Arrives at Idaho National Laboratory Introduction The U.S. Army-led Project Pele—a first-of-its-kind mobile nuclear microreactor—just cleared a major hurdle with the delivery of its full core of TRIstructural-ISOtropic (TRISO) particle fuel to Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The shipment, fabricated by BWX Technologies (BWXT), positions the 1.5-megawatt electric (MWe) high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for ground tests and eventual grid-independent power generation as early as 2028. Why the TRISO Fuel Delivery Matters • Fuel Qualification: Each of the 40,000 fuel compacts contains uranium kernels triple-coated with carbon and ceramic layers that can safely withstand extreme heat and irradiation, eliminating meltdown risks. • Schedule Acceleration: With fuel now on-site, BWXT can complete core assembly and integrate systems at INL’s Transient Reactor Test Facility, keeping the project on track for powered operations by September 30, 2028. • Energy Resilience: Once deployed, the transportable microreactor will give military bases and disaster-response teams reliable, carbon-free power wherever diesel convoys are vulnerable or grids are unavailable. Inside Project Pele’s 1.5-MWe Mobile Reactor • Modular Design: The entire plant—including reactor vessel, power conversion unit, and shielding—fits inside standard ISO containers for rail, road, sea, or air transport. • Quick Start-Up: Designed for rapid assembly and start-up in less than 72 hours, providing heat and electricity to remote or contested locations. • Passive Safety: Helium coolant and TRISO fuel geometry enable walk-away safety, removing the need for extensive operator staffing or large water inventories. Strategic Impact for the U.S. Army The Army’s Janus Program plans to leverage Pele’s lessons to field commercial-scale reactors on domestic installations by 2030, ensuring mission-critical infrastructure stays online during grid disruptions. Dr. Jeff Waksman, the Army’s senior energy official, called the TRISO delivery “a transformational leap toward Gen-IV nuclear power,” underscoring its role in hardening defense logistics. Economic and Environmental Benefits 1. Cost Savings: Replacing diesel generators can slash fuel logistics costs by up to 70 percent over a 10-year mission cycle. 2. Carbon Reduction: A single Pele reactor can offset roughly 11 million liters of diesel burn annually, cutting 30,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. 3. Commercial Spillover: Technologies matured under Pele—advanced fuels, micro-turbomachinery, autonomous controls—are expected to feed civilian microgrid markets, island communities, and mining operations. Next Steps on the Road to Deployment • 2026 – Thermal-hydraulic and neutronic testing of the assembled core at INL. • 2027 – Integrated system validation, cyber-security hardening, and transport demonstrations. • 2028 – Grid-isolated power generation at INL’s Critical Infrastructure Test Range Complex, followed by Army field trials. Key Players Driving Progress • BWX Technologies: Fuel fabrication and prototype reactor construction. • Idaho National Laboratory: Host site, test operations, and fuel qualification. • Department of Energy: TRISO research and regulatory support. • U.S. Army Strategic Capabilities Office: Program leadership and future deployment planning. What It Means for the Broader Nuclear Sector Project Pele’s momentum signals growing confidence in advanced microreactors to complement small modular reactors (SMRs) and renewables. Successful demonstration could unlock new Department of Defense and commercial procurement, accelerating licensing pathways and supply-chain investments for next-generation nuclear technologies. Conclusion With TRISO fuel now secured, Project Pele is moving from concept to concrete hardware—bringing the promise of safe, portable, zero-carbon power closer than ever. Watch for upcoming system tests in Idaho as the microreactor industry’s most closely watched prototype prepares to light up by 2028.