Westinghouse Electric Company has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its eVinci nuclear microreactor. The company has completed the Front-End Engineering and Experimenting Design (FEEED) phase, paving the way for potential testing and experiments with a 5MW microreactor in two years.
The eVinci microreactor is designed to operate without water, making it an ideal solution for remote areas where water scarcity may be a concern. The compact reactor can output 5MWe and has a core design that can operate for at least eight years before needing refueling. It’s perfect for remote mining operations, data centers, and other off-grid applications.
The eVinci microreactor is also equipped with shutdown rods for security during transit and uses TRISO fuel, which is more resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and high temperatures than traditional nuclear fuels. When the fuel runs out, the microreactor can be removed and disposed of like a battery, and replaced with a new one for continuous energy.
Westinghouse plans to install the first eVinci microreactor in Saskatchewan, Canada, which is projected to be operational by 2029. The microreactor facility has been approved by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) with a CAD 80 million project.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/evinci-milestone-microreactor-ready-for-testing