By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Spencer Cox

The goal of turning on a test nuclear reactor in the San Rafael Energy Research Lab by July 4 reached a critical milestone on Sunday, Feb. 15, as the U.S. Military delivered a small nuclear test reactor to the beehive state. 

In a joint operation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, the reactor was transported via C-17 from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. 

“This event is a testament to the ingenuity of the American spirit and a critical advancement in securing our nation’s freedom and strength for generations to come,” said the DOD in a release.

Upon its arrival in Utah, the reactor was welcomed by federal and state officials, as well as Valar Atomics CEO Isiah Taylor.

U.S. Sen. John Curtis said that the moment would be written about in history books, but also spoke to the vision of the county commissioners of Carbon and Emery County, “who dared to dream that their counties could play a national/international role in energy innovation.”

“Who would have thought that when they started this years ago, that a nuclear facility would be in their counties and they would be leading not just the state, but the country in innovation,” said the Senator.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright discussed the federal goal of a nuclear renaissance,” The American nuclear renaissance is to get that ball moving again, fast, carefully, but with private capital, American innovation and determination,” Wright said. “President Trump signed multiple executive orders that have unleashed tremendous reform of all the things that stopped the American nuclear industry from moving.” 

On the state level, the Utah State Legislature has signaled its support for the nuclear energy industry. HCR1 “expresses support for the advanced nuclear manufacturing industry and declares the state’s desire to have nuclear manufacturing done in the state.”

Gov. Spencer Cox signed the resolution on Feb. 12 after clearing both chambers of the legislature.

“Through Operation Gigawatt, Utah is doubling energy production and creating an ecosystem to build advanced nuclear at speed and scale,” said Cox in a social media post. “The future of American energy is being built here.”

On a local level, residents of Emery County have expressed support for nuclear industries; however, concerns remain regarding security and the potential for cancer caused by radiation.

Upon its arrival at the SRERL, the reactor will not be used to produce power but will instead undergo testing and be used to train future workers at the lab.