Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Explores Small Modular Reactor Power
Discover how Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy Virginia are pioneering small modular reactor technology to boost energy resilience and clean power in Virginia’s military and civilian sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Yorktown Naval Weapons Station partners with Dominion Energy to explore SMRs
- SMRs offer safe, scalable, and clean nuclear power options
- Project aims to enhance military energy resilience and support Virginia’s clean energy goals
- Feasibility study and regulatory reviews planned for 2025-2026
- Potential SMR operation targeted for early 2030s if viable
Energy innovation is taking a bold leap at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, where the U.S. Navy and Dominion Energy Virginia have joined forces to explore small modular reactors (SMRs) as a new power source. This partnership, formalized in June 2025, aims to secure uninterrupted, clean energy for a critical military base while advancing Virginia’s broader clean energy ambitions. SMRs, smaller and safer than traditional nuclear plants, promise to deliver reliable baseload power that complements renewable sources like solar and wind. The collaboration also highlights the power of public-private partnerships in tackling complex energy challenges. Over the next year, a detailed feasibility study will assess technical, environmental, and regulatory factors, setting the stage for potential construction in the early 2030s. This article unpacks the significance of this initiative, the technology behind SMRs, and what it means for military and civilian energy landscapes alike.
Exploring Small Modular Reactors
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are shaking up the nuclear energy scene with their compact size and advanced safety features. Unlike traditional nuclear plants that dominate vast landscapes, SMRs are factory-built and assembled onsite, slashing construction time and costs. Think of them as the nimble cousins of the nuclear family, designed to fit where big plants can’t. Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy Virginia are diving into this technology to see if it fits the base’s unique energy needs.
Why the buzz? SMRs produce up to 300 megawatts—enough to power military installations and surrounding communities reliably. Their ability to provide carbon-free baseload power 24/7 complements the intermittent nature of renewables like solar and wind. This means when the sun sets or the wind calms, SMRs keep the lights on without burning fossil fuels. It’s a fresh take on nuclear power, blending innovation with environmental responsibility.
Boosting Energy Resilience at Yorktown
Energy resilience isn’t just a buzzword at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown—it’s mission-critical. The base supports vital Navy and Marine operations on the East Coast, where power disruptions could stall armament logistics and training. Capt. Dan Patrick, the base commander, emphasizes the importance of ensuring the lights stay on no matter what. This project aims to shield the base from grid interruptions, providing a reliable energy backbone that military operations depend on.
The partnership with Dominion Energy Virginia means the base won’t just rely on traditional power grids. By potentially hosting an SMR, Yorktown could generate its own steady, clean electricity. This autonomy is a game-changer, especially as threats evolve and energy independence becomes a national security priority. The project also plans to feed excess power back to local communities, weaving military and civilian energy needs into a resilient network.
Navigating Regulatory and Community Challenges
Nuclear projects carry a hefty regulatory checklist, and the Yorktown SMR exploration is no exception. Safety and environmental reviews will be rigorous, ensuring that any installation meets strict federal and state standards. This isn’t a quick sprint—it’s a marathon of careful planning and transparent communication. The Navy and Dominion Energy are committed to engaging local residents and stakeholders, recognizing that community trust is as vital as technical feasibility.
Costs also loom large. While SMRs promise savings over traditional nuclear plants, upfront investments remain significant. The Inflation Reduction Act has opened doors for funding alternative energy projects, including SMRs, easing some financial pressure. Yet, the path forward requires balancing innovation with prudence, ensuring that the project is both economically and socially viable before breaking ground.
Aligning with Virginia’s Clean Energy Goals
Virginia is steering toward a cleaner energy future, and the Yorktown SMR project fits squarely into that vision. Dominion Energy Virginia is already investing heavily in advanced nuclear, renewables, and grid modernization. This collaboration could serve as a pilot, paving the way for broader SMR deployment across the state. Governor’s office and local leaders have voiced support, highlighting job creation and innovation as key benefits.
The project aligns with federal efforts too. President Donald Trump’s executive order promoting small nuclear reactors, including military applications, underscores the national momentum behind this technology. With the Navy’s energy resilience and sustainability strategies dovetailing with state and federal ambitions, Yorktown stands at the crossroads of energy innovation and policy progress.
Charting the Path Forward
The journey from agreement to operation is mapped out with clear milestones. Between 2025 and 2026, the partners will conduct feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory reviews. This phase will determine the most suitable technology for the base, weighing options like SMRs, solar farms, and natural gas plants. Dominion Energy will then propose the best path forward.
If the project clears these hurdles, design, permitting, and construction could begin by 2027, aiming for an operational SMR in the early 2030s. This timeline reflects the complexity and care required for nuclear projects. Meanwhile, the Navy remains open to all viable energy options, ensuring that no opportunity is overlooked. This measured approach balances ambition with responsibility, setting the stage for a resilient, clean energy future at Yorktown and beyond.
Long Story Short
The Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy Virginia partnership is more than just a pilot project—it’s a beacon for the future of resilient, clean energy. By exploring small modular reactors, they’re tackling the myth that nuclear power is outdated or inflexible, showing instead how next-generation technology can be safe, scalable, and integral to energy security. The project’s success could ripple beyond military borders, offering a blueprint for communities craving reliable, carbon-free power. While challenges like regulatory hurdles and upfront costs remain, the commitment to transparency and innovation shines through. For Virginians and the nation, this collaboration signals a promising path where cutting-edge nuclear technology and public-private teamwork fuel a cleaner, stronger tomorrow. Stay tuned as this energy story unfolds, potentially reshaping how we power critical missions and everyday lives.