Nuclear Power Shrinks to Car Size — MARVEL Microreactor Breakthrough

A major leap just landed in the energy world. The U.S. Department of Energy’s MARVEL microreactor is proving that nuclear power doesn’t need a massive footprint anymore — it now fits in the space of an average sedan.
This prototype, built at Idaho National Laboratory, delivers enough clean, steady power for about ten U.S. homes, all from a compact, transportable unit. It’s designed for remote bases, Arctic communities, disaster zones, and anywhere diesel generators fall short.
With final design work nearly complete and fabrication underway, MARVEL is on track for first criticality in 2026. Supporters see it as the start of a new era: resilient, portable nuclear power that can go where the grid can’t. The world has been waiting for a breakthrough like this — and it’s finally here.