Wyoming Chamber Backs Next-Generation Nuclear Development

Evanston based Black Mesa Advanced Fission is partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop portable nuclear reactors that could replace the military’s diesel power generators. These units, to be manufactured in Wyoming and tested in Nevada, promise to deliver far more efficient energy. CEO Joshua Payne highlighted Wyoming’s “high energy IQ,” its workforce, and business-friendly incentives as the rationale behind relocating manufacturing here.

With plans to churn out up to 100 reactors per year, the project is forecasted to inject $3 billion in economic impact, catalyze high-paying jobs, and pioneer advanced nuclear manufacturing. The company, backed by Army and infrastructure contracts is navigating a regulatory frontier alongside the Army, DOE labs, and NNSA. They estimate the first operational unit could ignite within about four years, contingent on federal funding.

WY it matters:

1. Powering Progress: An All-of-the-Above Energy PushThe Chamber’s Powering Progress initiative advocates for unlocking every energy resource (coal, wind, solar, nuclear, etc.) to ensure Wyoming’s economic stability. Black Mesa’s microreactors exemplify this innovation-driven strategy by adding nuclear to the energy toolbox in a forward-thinking way.

 2. Economic Fuel for Wyoming CommunitiesWith the projected $3 billion economic boost and expansion of high-skilled jobs, the project not only anchors advanced manufacturing in Evanston but accelerates the job-creation engine across our state.

3. Leading the National Energy FutureThe White House has declared a National Energy Emergency, spotlighting a critical need for domestic energy resilience. Portable micro-reactors, alongside other nuclear projects, position Wyoming as a leader in delivering strategic, scalable energy capacity for defense and beyond.

4. Infrastructure, Regulation, and WorkforceThis project helps narrow focus on streamlining permitting, building infrastructure, and upskilling the workforce—laying policy groundwork that will drive sustained growth in all sectors.

5. Balancing Risk and RewardUnderstandably, some in the local community express caution over nuclear safety and oversight. But thoughtful, well-regulated innovation, backed by cautious public-private collaboration, can turn concern into confidence and inspire other advanced industries to locate here.

Let’s not let progress wait. This is where ingenuity, free enterprise, and energy converge—right here, right now, in Wyoming.