Energy secretary calls nuclear "next-generation" energy, cites 5-MW small modular reactor moved by military transport

Energy Secretary Chris Wright described a "nuclear renaissance" and said next-generation nuclear technology will do more than power grids: it could provide propulsion for rockets, support manufacturing and expand U.S. energy security. Wright told the program he had recently been aboard a C-17 military transport that carried a 5-MW small modular reactor from Los Angeles to Utah and said the unit "will be running before July 4th."

On the program Wright said, "This is truly next-generation energy. It's going to be nuclear energy... it's going to provide ... propulsion for rockets. It's going to help us with manufacturing." He said the reactor he referenced would be operational before the July 4 holiday. Wright presented these developments as evidence that advanced nuclear is moving from concept to deployment.

The interview did not provide independent verification, documentation, or additional technical details about the reactor, including the device's design, regulatory approvals, licensing status, or the agency responsible for its commissioning. The statement that the unit will be "running before July 4th" is a claim by the secretary on air and was not independently confirmed during the interview.