The United States Navy has selected its Naval Weapons Stations in Crane, Ind. to support large-scale advanced nuclear power generation at the naval installation.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced on Oct. 28 at the 5th annual Northeast Indiana Defense Summit, hosted by Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), that the Navy is seeking proposals from the private sector for advanced nuclear power, particularly for small modular reactors (SMRs).
The three other naval installations were also selected under this initiative, according to Banks’ press release. The initiative builds off the Department of Defense’s Fortress America initiative, which stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply and Survivability.
“Where MMRs [micro modular reactors] are spectacular for portable use, SMRs are designed to supply power directly to the regional electric grid,” Cao said at the summit. “This move toward power efficiency will be a total game-changer for bases and the surrounding communities.”
Crane’s selection to host a SMR also comes after the naval installation was selected to host Radiant Nuclear’s Kaleidos microreactor there.
“Crane is at the tip of the spear for our national defense,” Banks said in the press release. “This selection reinforces Crane’s strategic importance and its critical role in advancing Secretary Hegseth’s Fortress America initiative.”
Banks continued, “These investments will strengthen our national security while creating thousands of jobs and new opportunities for Hoosiers across Southern Indiana.”
