Westinghouse Electric Company and CORE POWER have joined forces to create a groundbreaking floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) utilizing Westinghouse’s eVinci™ microreactor blueprint and heat pipe technology. This collaboration signifies a formal agreement between the two companies to push forward the design of the FNPP, catering to maritime and coastal settings where traditional energy sources may fall short.
Jon Ball, President of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “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. 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.”
Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero goals, highlighting the potential for multiple installations of the Westinghouse eVinci microreactor to provide clean, flexible, and reliable electricity. This partnership aims to revolutionize how customers access nuclear energy, offering scalable solutions to meet the increasing demand for sustainable power delivery.
Floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) present an innovative solution for supplying energy to remote coastal areas, islands, and offshore locations. Their compact size and mobility make them ideal for meeting urgent electricity needs. These plants can be easily transported to remote regions and docked with coastal facilities to provide power and heat to local grids. FNPPs are gaining recognition as a versatile clean energy option, utilizing small modular reactors (SMRs) to generate electricity and heat for various applications.
The International Symposium on the Deployment of Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) held in Vienna last November explored the potential of these plants in offering reliable energy solutions for remote locations. Delegates discussed the possibility of FNPPs replacing fossil-fueled generators, thus advancing global decarbonization efforts. However, before large-scale deployment, it is crucial to address safeguards, legal frameworks, and regulatory aspects, as highlighted by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during the symposium.
Several countries, including Canada, China, Denmark, South Korea, Russia, and the USA, are developing marine SMR designs, with Russia leading the way with the operational Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first FNPP. While these floating plants do not compete with land-based SMRs, they expand the potential of nuclear technology in achieving net-zero goals.
Westinghouse is at the forefront of nuclear technology innovation with its eVinci™ Microreactor, designed for decentralized and remote applications. This micro-modular reactor, a product of 60 years of nuclear expertise, features heat pipe technology for passive heat transfer without complex coolant systems. The compact design of the eVinci reactor allows for rapid deployment, as it is fully factory-built and assembled in a container for easy transportation. Operating like a battery with minimal moving parts, the reactor can produce 5MWe with a 15MWth core design and run continuously for eight or more full-power years before refueling.
The eVinci microreactor’s versatility extends beyond maritime applications, offering reliable power solutions for various sectors, including remote communities, industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly with renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro, ensuring grid stability and reliable power supply in any condition. Moreover, the eVinci microreactor contributes to net-zero goals by delivering carbon-free energy and reducing CO2 emissions significantly.
CORE POWER is driving nuclear innovation in maritime and heavy industries through its Maritime Civil Nuclear Program across the OECD. With offices in London, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, the company aims to enhance energy efficiency and local energy security through scalable nuclear solutions. CORE POWER’s collaboration with Westinghouse underscores their commitment to providing sustainable, reliable, and efficient nuclear energy solutions to meet the evolving energy needs of various sectors.
