Westinghouse Electric Company and Core Power have announced a partnership to design and develop a floating nuclear power plant using a microreactor. This collaboration aims to leverage shipyard capabilities to deploy nuclear energy to islands, ports, coastal communities, and industries. The companies believe that a series of turnkey power plants utilizing the Westinghouse eVinci microreactor can meet the growing demand for clean, flexible, and reliable electricity.
The floating nuclear power plants will be centrally manufactured and easily transported to operation sites, combining advanced nuclear technology with shipyard efficiency. The eVinci microreactor, with its minimal maintenance requirements and ability to operate for eight years at full power before refueling, is considered ideal for floating applications. This innovative approach could provide long-term, reliable power generation in various locations, offering a solution to remote areas or regions with land limitations.
The design of the Floating Nuclear Power Plant will incorporate heat pipe technology to enhance reliability and simplify the passive transfer of heat. By eliminating the need for water cooling and associated recirculation systems, the eVinci microreactor aims to provide a more efficient and sustainable power generation solution. Westinghouse and Core Power will also collaborate on developing a regulatory approach for licensing floating systems, highlighting the potential for this technology in disaster relief efforts and industrial applications.
In addition to this collaboration, other projects are also exploring the concept of floating small-scale nuclear reactors to provide power to remote areas. Samsung is working on a next-generation molten salt reactor for a similar purpose, while Crowley has partnered with BWX Technologies to develop a power generation vessel concept using a microreactor. These initiatives reflect a growing focus on nuclear power as part of the solution to decarbonization, with projections suggesting the deployment of floating reactors by the 2030s.
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