Westinghouse Electric Company has successfully completed the front-end engineering and experiment design (FEEED) phase for its eVinci microreactor prototype. This crucial phase is part of the preparations for testing at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as early as 2026. The eVinci microreactor is among three innovative designs chosen for evaluation at the world’s inaugural nuclear microreactor test bed.
The FEEED phase plays a vital role for developers like Westinghouse in planning and designing the fabrication, construction, and potential testing of the reactor at the DOME test bed. Operated by the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy, the test bed is a key component in advancing nuclear innovation.
What Are Nuclear Microreactors? Nuclear technology is evolving towards smaller and more versatile solutions, exemplified by nuclear microreactors. These compact reactors, currently in development in the U.S., are portable and can cater to energy needs in remote locations, including commercial and residential areas, as well as military bases.
Microreactors are characterized by their factory fabrication, transportability, and self-adjustment features. Components are pre-assembled in a factory and transported to the site, reducing construction challenges and enabling quick deployment. Their small size allows for easy transportation via various means, and they are designed to automatically adjust operations with minimal operator involvement for enhanced safety.
Westinghouse’s successful completion of the FEEED process for its prototype microreactor is a significant step towards testing and commercialization. This phase involves creating a detailed schedule, budget, and design for the experiment, along with a preliminary safety report to ensure secure testing. The completion of the FEEED process sets the stage for the fabrication and installation of the reactor.
Westinghouse, Radiant, and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation were competitively selected to undertake the FEEED process last year. Jon Ball, President of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse, highlighted the importance of this achievement in advancing the eVinci Microreactor project towards commercial operation. The collaboration with NRIC, INL, and the Department of Energy is crucial to the project’s success.
The eVinci Microreactor is one of the designs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. This heat-pipe cooled reactor can generate 5 megawatts of electricity and is suitable for sites as small as two acres. It boasts a long operational lifespan before refueling is required and utilizes heat pipes for efficient heat transfer, allowing for air cooling.
In 2023, Westinghouse announced an agreement to deploy an eVinci microreactor in Saskatchewan, Canada, showcasing its potential in cold, remote areas. The microreactor has diverse applications, including powering remote communities, supporting mining operations, and supplying energy to data centers.
Westinghouse will collaborate with NRIC to finalize the design and planning for the eVinci experiment, with preparations underway for potential installation at the DOME test bed. The NRIC, under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, aims to advance next-generation nuclear reactors by facilitating collaboration between industry and national labs.
The DOME test bed provides a controlled environment for reactor developers to test fueled experiments with reduced risks. The collaboration between industry leaders like Westinghouse and national laboratories like INL accelerates the safe development of advanced reactor designs. Radiant and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation are also expected to complete their FEEED processes soon.
Completing the FEEED phase is a significant milestone in advancing microreactor technology towards reality. Westinghouse’s progress positions the company as a frontrunner in the next phase of nuclear technology. The development of nuclear microreactors like the eVinci holds the potential to provide a sustainable energy source for various industries and remote communities, reflecting the evolution of nuclear innovation to meet modern energy demands.
With testing anticipated at the DOME test bed by 2026 and continued support from the Department of Energy, these projects signify substantial progress towards clean, reliable, and versatile nuclear power. As the world transitions towards low-carbon energy sources, microreactors could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global energy.
