Redstone's next big get
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Alabama's Congressional delegation is throwing its weight behind Redstone Arsenal in its bid to land Project Janus.
Why it matters: The Army's Janus Program, a nuclear power program, would start the next generation of America's energy resilience, per the Army, and supply Redstone with power disconnected from the commercial grid.
How it works: Project Janus, which is considering eight other installations, will construct a microreactor at the chosen site, a small nuclear power plant with capacities under 20MW.
- For comparison, the Tennessee Valley Authority's Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant has a total capacity of up to 3,954MW, enough to power more than 2 million homes and businesses.
Zoom in: Rep. Dale Strong and the rest of the state's delegation made Redstone's case in a Nov. 25 letter addressed to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, touting Redstone's 65 tenant units and nearly 46,000 personnel.
- "RSA's mission-critical tenants currently require 75MW of power," the letter says. "This demand is expected to double by 2030."
- The letter goes on to note Redstone's infrastructure, which "provides the security and logistics needed" for the microreactor, encompassing 38,000 acres, 14,700 of which are developable.
- "It also offers secure access to land, rail, air, and water transportation, which will be essential for moving necessary materials, personnel, and spent fuel," it says.
What they're saying: "Redstone Arsenal has the people, the expertise, the infrastructure, and the mission set to ensure Project Janus' success," Strong said in a statement.
What's next: The Army's announcement didn't include a date when it will name the selection, but Executive Order 14299, signed by President Trump earlier this year, says the Army "shall commence the operation of a nuclear reactor ... at a military base or installation no later than September 30, 2028."