Westinghouse and CORE POWER Collaborate on Floating Nuclear Power Plant with eVinci Microreactor
Key Ideas
  • Westinghouse and CORE POWER are partnering to design a Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) utilizing the advanced eVinci microreactor, aiming for efficient and easily deployable nuclear power.
  • The eVinci microreactor, with a unique heat pipe technology, operates for up to eight years without refueling, enhancing reliability and reducing the need for permanent infrastructure, expanding nuclear power possibilities.
  • The collaboration also includes plans for regulatory licensing advancements and exploring applications beyond electricity generation, such as industrial heat, district heating, and potentially hydrogen production, showcasing the versatility of the microreactor technology.
  • Westinghouse's focus on off-grid applications and remote sites highlights the potential of eVinci microreactors to replace diesel fuel and provide clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions for various sectors, including industrial, data centers, and communities.
Westinghouse Electric Company and CORE POWER have entered into a cooperative agreement to develop a Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) utilizing Westinghouse's innovative eVinci microreactor. This collaboration aims to combine advanced nuclear technology with efficient shipyard manufacturing processes, allowing for the creation of FNPPs that can be easily transported to operation sites. The eVinci microreactor is specifically designed for this purpose, boasting the capability to operate at full power for up to eight years without the need for refueling. This aspect enhances the appeal of the FNPP concept as it reduces the necessity for building permanent infrastructure, thus enabling the utilization of nuclear power in challenging locations. The partnership between Westinghouse and CORE POWER not only focuses on the design and development of the FNPP utilizing the eVinci microreactor but also includes advancements in heat pipe technology for improved reliability and passive heat transfer methods. The incorporation of heat pipes eliminates the need for water cooling systems while enhancing safety and efficiency. Moreover, the collaboration aims to streamline the regulatory processes related to licensing FNPP systems, paving the way for future implementations. The eVinci microreactor, with its emphasis on carbon-free and scalable energy solutions, is positioned to cater to diverse applications ranging from electricity and heating provision for remote communities to potential use in industrial processes, data centers, and defense facilities. Apart from electricity generation, the microreactor can produce high-temperature heat suitable for various industrial applications, including hydrogen production. The technology's versatility, with minimal moving parts and long operational lifespan, makes it an attractive option for delivering reliable and flexible power across different sectors. While the FNPP concept has gained traction in Russia, Westinghouse's collaboration with Prodigy on a transportable nuclear power plant (TNPP) underscores a strategic focus on deploying the eVinci microreactor in remote or harsh environments like the Arctic. The TNPP project aims to address power needs in challenging locations and is progressing through design and regulatory stages for potential implementation by 2030. Westinghouse's vision for off-grid applications and the replacement of diesel fuel in remote settings signifies the potential of eVinci microreactors to revolutionize energy solutions for various industries and communities.
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