NANO Nuclear Advances to Final Round of US Army’s xTechSearch 9 Competition

NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

US-based company NANO Nuclear Energy Inc., specializing in the development of next-generation modular microreactors, has announced its selection for the final round of the xTechSearch 9 competition organized by the United States Army. The program seeks to evaluate advanced technology solutions that address critical defense needs while offering civilian applicability.

This edition of the competition reflects the US Army’s strategic approach to reinforcing energy resilience and operational capacity in constrained environments. By advancing to the final phase, NANO Nuclear will present its technologies to key Department of Defense decision-makers, thereby increasing its visibility and long-term collaboration prospects.

A Microreactor for Austere Environments

The solution selected by the evaluation committee is based on a deployable microreactor developed by NANO Nuclear, designed to supply energy in isolated or contested zones. This technology could address the Army’s need for mobile energy while reducing dependency on traditional logistics chains.

The growing interest of the United States Army in compact and autonomous energy systems reflects a shift in priorities regarding operational security. By integrating advanced energy sources in the field, the objective is to reduce vulnerabilities linked to fuel transport and enhance the energy autonomy of units.

A Strategic Milestone for NANO Nuclear

Participation in xTechSearch 9 aligns with NANO Nuclear’s commercial development strategy in the military and defense application segment. The program offers direct access to institutional decision-makers and allows the company to test the compatibility of its prototypes with the operational requirements of the military field.

At the same time, this institutional recognition comes amid the growing US microreactor sector, supported by federal initiatives aimed at energy diversification and infrastructure modernization. NANO Nuclear’s position within this framework could pave the way for future development or demonstration contracts.

The South Korean nuclear regulator has approved the launch of the 1,400-megawatt Saeul 3 reactor, beginning with a six-month pilot phase before full commercial operation.
Ankara confirmed new Russian funding for the Akkuyu project, Turkey’s first nuclear site, strengthening its energy ties with Moscow and advancing its domestic nuclear ambitions.
Rosatom successfully completed a series of tests on its high-temperature gas-cooled reactor fuel, validating its performance at up to 1,700 °C under prolonged irradiation conditions.
Videberg Kraft AB becomes the first company to request government support to build two new reactors at the Ringhals site, under the national nuclear investment framework adopted in 2025.
The European Commission opens an in-depth investigation into Prague's public funding of a major nuclear project, which could reach €30bn ($32.88bn), with guaranteed revenues over forty years.
Niigata's assembly officially backs the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa site, marking a key step in Japan’s return to nuclear energy following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The Japanese government plans to fund up to 30% of loans required for nuclear projects, aiming to accelerate reactor restarts and double the share of nuclear energy in its energy mix by 2040.
French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.
French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.
US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
California-based startup Radiant has secured $300mn to build its first factory in Tennessee and prepare for the mass production of miniature nuclear reactors for off-grid applications.
Terra Innovatum has increased its interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to advance licensing of its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, despite the partial shutdown of the US federal government.
The US nuclear regulator has extended the operating licences of three Illinois reactors by 20 years, strengthening Constellation's long-term industrial outlook for the Clinton and Dresden sites.
The SATURNE Industrial Chair aims to develop innovative uranium extraction methods, with joint funding from Orano and the National Research Agency over a four-year period.
US-based X-energy has signed a reservation agreement with South Korea's Doosan Enerbility to secure key components for its small modular nuclear reactors.
Niger expands its mining alliances with Uranium One to develop new sites, while the Dasa project continues seeking financing despite clear political backing.
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear plant featuring two SMART100 reactors, marking a step toward the commercialisation of offshore small modular reactors.
The Indian government proposes a unified legal framework for nuclear energy, aiming to boost private investment and increase installed capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Samsung C&T strengthens its presence in modular nuclear energy in Europe by signing an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to develop up to 24 SMRs in Poland and several Central European countries.
Israeli firm nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University have developed a nonlinear control system that improves energy stability in fusion plasmas, strengthening the technical foundation of their future compact reactors.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.