What’s New? Today, the Pentagon selected BWX Technologies, Inc., Westinghouse and X-energy to work on a project to develop nuclear micro-reactors. Micro-reactors are an effective tool in generating highly resilient power that can bolster national security by providing a source of electricity that doesn’t require access to a grid or supply chain.
The DOD’s program is the latest example of public-private partnerships allowing developers to demonstrate the technology prior to commercial deployment and verify the capabilities of their designs. The companies selected are just a few of more than a dozen technology designers who are investing millions of dollars into the development of micro-reactors designs.
Fast Facts:
- Micro-reactors will look much different than today’s nuclear power plants. Typically generating just one to ten megawatts of electricity, the smaller size of these micro-reactors features simpler designs and includes inherent safety characteristics.
- These reactors have unique capabilities such as producing electricity independent from the grid with the ability to operate for 10 years or more without the need to refuel.
- Micro-reactors could easily provide cost-effective carbon-free power to remote communities or developing countries that rely on diesel generators for electricity.
- This technology can also play a significant role in humanitarian aid and relief, deploying to disaster-stricken areas to power hospitals and generate electricity for emergency response efforts.
- The federal government is investing in the next generation of nuclear reactors, including micro-reactors. FY2020 appropriations from Congress includes funding to DOE and DOD for research and development and demonstration programs of these designs. The 2019 NDAA bill directs DOE to develop a report on a pilot program for deploying advanced reactor technology.
What Marc Nichol, Senior Director of New Reactors at NEI, has to say:
“We are entering a decade of nuclear innovation where we will see advanced nuclear technologies developed and deployed to address the energy needs in a wide variety of markets. Micro-reactors will offer tremendous social benefits, bringing carbon-free electricity to remote communities and developing countries across the globe.
“NEI continues to work with federal agencies to ensure a streamlined regulatory framework is in place to license these advanced designs. We encourage continued public-private partnerships that offer companies opportunities to demonstrate the technology and move even more carbon-free technologies to market.”
The Big Picture: The 2020s marks a decade of nuclear innovation. Momentum to deploy advanced nuclear technologies is greatly supported for their potential to bring carbon-free electricity to remote areas of the world and be used for other applications like industrial heating, water desalination and hydrogen production as an alternative fuel.
Continued federal funding and support through public-private partnerships will be necessary to spur private investment and advance the next generation of nuclear technologies.
What to Look for Next: More advanced nuclear developers will begin to submit license applications for their designs and move these technologies from concept to deployment in the next decade. NEI and its members will continue to work with the federal government to explore viable uses of this technology and ensure it can be licensed by the NRC within the next decade.
Available Expert: To speak with an NEI expert contact [email protected] or 202.739.8000.
