A small nuclear reactor just landed in Utah. Here’s what it means for the state

The test reactor will deploy at its new home at the San Rafael Energy Lab, where officials expect it to be switched on by July 4.

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, second from left, speaks alongside Gov. Spencer Cox, left, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey, second from right, and U.S. Sen. John Curtis, right, in front of one of the three USAF C-17s that transported components of a small nuclear reactor to Hill Air Force Base near Layton, seen here on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

A small nuclear reactor just landed in Utah. Here’s what it means for the state

The test reactor will deploy at its new home at the San Rafael Energy Lab, where officials expect it to be switched on by July 4.

RELATED STORIES

Utahns are unsure of nuclear energy. Cox will spend $1.8M convincing them it’s a good idea.

Utah won a ‘tight race’ to get a nuclear reactor by next year, startup founder says. Here’s what we know so far.

Utah will have a new nuclear reactor running by 2026, Gov. Cox and startup Valar Atomics announce

Can Utah become a data center hub without draining its water supply?

Utah’s massive data centers can’t get the power they need, so they’re building their own

MOST VIEWED

1

The Colorado River’s largest reservoirs are heading toward a ‘system crash,’ experts warn

2

A dispute over a prized Star Wars Lego collection led to a YouTube crusade. Then came the stalking charges in Utah.

3

A gaping hole is left behind at one of SLC’s busiest intersections. What’s going in its place?

4

Gordon Monson: How much would you sell your Utah Jazz NBA Finals tickets for?

5

Here’s the latest on BYU’s new medical school, including when it’s likely to open

Sponsored Story

Utah Artist Fellowship Program awards $90,000 to 18 artists