CRANE, Ind. — Naval Support Activity Crane is slated to become the testing ground for Indiana’s first operational nuclear power source under a federal initiative aiming to install an off-grid microreactor on the base by September 2028.
The project marks an unprecedented push into next-generation energy resilience for the installation, the world’s third-largest naval base by geographic footprint.
Unlike traditional multi-gigawatt civilian nuclear stations that demand extensive infrastructure and years of construction, microreactors are compact, modular units engineered for rapid deployment. Designed to operate as standalone microgrids independent of regional utility lines, they are primarily built to guarantee uninterrupted power for mission-critical defense hubs, remote installations, or crisis areas cut off from traditional energy supplies.
If delivered on schedule, the Crane facility would be among the first of its kind in active duty. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, no commercial or civilian micro modular reactors are currently operating anywhere in the country, though several pilot installations remain under federal review.
Despite the ambitious two-year timeline, fundamental specifics regarding the project remain tightly guarded. Federal announcements have not disclosed the commercial vendor contracted to design, build, and operate the system, nor have officials detailed the capital cost, public funding mechanisms, or the ground-breaking date.
The lack of early details extends to local safety oversight. Martin County Emergency Management Director Andy Reingold noted that county emergency personnel have not yet been provided hazard or response plans for an on-site nuclear facility. Deputy Director Cameron Wolf indicated that inter-agency discussions regarding local safety, disaster contingencies, and operational protocols are anticipated in the near future.
Federal authorities stated that intergovernmental coordination will eventually address nuclear safeguards, site defense, and cybersecurity across local, state, and military channels.
A news release credited U.S. Sen. Jim Banks as an instrumental figure in securing the project for southern Indiana. Neither Banks’ office nor leadership at Crane responded to new outlets for initial inquiries seeking comment on the timeline, safety coordination, or the procurement process.
