US Ward250 Microreactor Completes First Air Transport Test, Ground Evaluation to Follow

The Ward250 microreactor (without fuel), a collaboration between the US Department of Defense, the Department of Energy (DOE), and Valar Atomics, has completed its first air transport test. It was transported by three C-17 aircraft from California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah and will subsequently be transferred to the Utah Rafael Energy Laboratory (URSEL) for testing and evaluation.

The Ward250 is a van-sized micro modular nuclear reactor. It utilizes TRISO nuclear fuel and helium cooling technology, with a daily output of 120 MWh, capable of powering approximately 5,000 households. Its air transport capability also validates that this microreactor technology can be deployed to remote areas, military bases, or disaster relief scenarios. Currently, Utah has begun preparatory work on supporting laws, regulations, and infrastructure.

The successful air transport test of this micro nuclear reactor not only provides a revolutionary energy solution for military operations and disaster relief but also opens new pathways for distributed energy supply in civilian sectors such as industrial heating and data centers. With the ongoing advancement of supporting laws and infrastructure, these rapidly deployable micro nuclear reactors are expected to become key elements in future energy security and geopolitical strategic competition.