Westinghouse Electric Company and CORE POWER have announced they have signed an agreement for the design and development of a floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) using the eVinci microreactor.
Under the terms of the agreement, Westinghouse and CORE POWER will advance the design of a FNPP using the eVinci microreactor and its heat pipe technology. 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. In addition, the companies will collaborate to develop a regulatory approach to licensing FNPP systems.
Westinghouse said that the eVinci microreactor requires minimal maintenance and can operate for eight years at full power before refuelling, allowing for reliable long-term power generation at almost any location.
Jon Ball, President of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse, said: “With this 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.”
The eVinci microreactor provides the versatility for power systems ranging from several kilowatts to 5 MW for eight-plus years without refuelling.