Utah partnered with Deployable Energy Limited on August 18, 2026, to explore deploying compact nuclear microreactors across the state. The Office of Energy Development signed a memorandum of understanding examining how 1 megawatt Unity Nuclear Batteries might integrate into Utah’s broader energy infrastructure.
“Utah is demonstrating the kind of leadership that can make it a national hub for advanced nuclear energy,” Bobby Gallagher, Deployable Energy co-founder and CEO, said. “… Just as importantly, Utah recognizes that successful energy development starts with meaningful engagement with the communities where these projects may ultimately be located. That combination of ambition, collaboration and community engagement is exactly what we look for in a partner, and we’re excited to work with the state to explore what Deployable Energy can contribute to Utah’s energy future.”
The Unity Nuclear Battery represents a significant leap in nuclear miniaturization. Each reactor generates one megawatt electric power while fitting entirely inside a standard 20-foot shipping container, meaning transportation and deployment logistics become dramatically simpler than traditional nuclear installations. Deployable Energy targets six-month lead times beginning in 2030, which would mark a substantial improvement over conventional reactor construction timelines that typically stretch across years.
The reactor design relies on 4.95% enriched uranium dioxide fuel paired with helium coolant, using established materials and proven manufacturing processes rather than experimental technology. Because the modular design allows combining individual reactors into larger arrays, power generation scenarios can scale from hundreds to thousands of units depending on regional energy demands. Each unit operates on five-year refueling cycles, reducing maintenance frequency compared to many existing nuclear technologies.
Installation remains remarkably simple through plug-and-play configuration, since standard transportation equipment can move the shipping container without requiring specialized infrastructure. The reactor supports both liquid and air cooling depending on location requirements, giving operators flexibility across diverse geographic and climate conditions. Deployable Energy emphasized that thermal output also provides process heat applications, meaning liquid cooling variants can supply heat for industrial processes while air cooling options suit locations where water access remains limited.
This versatility positions the technology for diverse deployment scenarios beyond conventional power grids. Remote areas with limited traditional infrastructure benefit significantly, while data centers requiring immediate power generation could deploy units rapidly to meet surging computational demands. Industrial facilities seeking reliable backup power and military installations needing portable generation capability represent additional potential applications.
Deployable Energy’s microreactor technology has already achieved criticality and received Approval In Principle with maritime classification societies, validating technical maturity ahead of commercial deployment.
The memorandum does not guarantee Unity reactor construction approval in Utah. Instead, it establishes a framework for research, testing and demonstration activities determining whether and how deployment ultimately proceeds.
