The eVinci microreactor developed by Cranberry Township, Pa.-headquartered Westinghouse Electric Co. will provide clean energy for a new floating nuclear power plant (FNPP), the company announced Monday.
Westinghouse is partnering with CORE POWER, a maritime and technology innovation company, to design and develop an FNPP using the eVinci microreactor and its heat pipe technology, which improves reliability while providing a simple, non-pressurized method of passively transferring heat.
“With this groundbreaking agreement, we will demonstrate the viability of the eVinci technology for innovative use cases where power is needed in remote locations or in areas with land limitations,” said Jon Ball, president of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse. “We look forward to our partnership with CORE POWER, bringing the unique advantages of eVinci microreactors to maritime and coastal applications, potentially even paving the way for future disaster relief efforts.”
Specifically, heat pipes in the eVinci microreactor transfer heat from the nuclear core to a power conversion system, eliminating the need for water cooling and the associated recirculation systems, according to Westinghouse.
In addition, the companies will collaborate to develop a regulatory approach to licensing FNPP systems.
“There’s no net-zero without nuclear. A long series of identical turnkey power plants using multiple installations of the Westinghouse eVinci microreactor delivered by sea, creates a real opportunity to scale nuclear as the perfect solution to meet the rapidly growing demand for clean, flexible and reliable electricity delivered on time and on budget,” said Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER. “Our unique partnership with Westinghouse is a game changer for how customers buy nuclear energy.”
FNPPs are innovative power plants that can be centrally manufactured and easily transported to operation sites, combining advanced nuclear technology with shipyard efficiency.
As a highly transportable source of reliable nuclear power, the eVinci microreactor is perfectly suited to FNPPs because it requires minimal maintenance and can operate for eight years at full power before refueling, allowing for reliable long-term power generation at almost any location, Westinghouse says.
The eVinci microreactor has very few moving parts, working essentially as a battery to provide the flexibility to power systems ranging from several kilowatts to 5 megawatts of electricity, delivered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for eight-plus years without refueling, according to Westinghouse.
Additionally, it can produce high-temperature heat that’s suitable for industrial applications, including alternative fuel production like hydrogen and has the flexibility to balance renewable output. The technology is factory-built and assembled before it is shipped in a container, the company said.