Westinghouse to team up with CORE POWER to build floating nuclear power plants

Westinghouse and CORE POWER have agreed to work together on developing floating nuclear power plants. They will be equipped with the eVinci microreactor, with an electrical capacity of 5 MW. The reactor’s advantage is that it can supply energy continuously for eight years, even in hard-to-reach areas. Russia launched the first floating nuclear power plant, Akademik Lomonosov, 5 years ago.

U.S. energy company Westinghouse announced a strategic partnership with CORE POWER, which focuses on the use of nuclear technologies at sea. The companies aim to work together to develop a floating nuclear power plant using the eVinci nuclear microreactor.

“There is no carbon neutrality without nuclear energy. A series of turnkey power plants using the Westinghouse eVinci microreactor creates a real opportunity to expand nuclear power as the perfect solution to meet rapidly growing demand for clean, flexible and reliable electricity, delivered on time and within budget. Our unique partnership with Westinghouse is a game changer in how customers buy nuclear technologies,” said Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER.

The Westinghouse eVinci nuclear microreactor has a capacity of 5MWe/14MWt and can operate at full power for 8 years without needing a fuel replacement. Its compact size will allow it to be transported by ship, rail and road to remote locations without transport or energy infrastructure.

Developing floating nuclear power plants

Since 2019, Westinghouse has also been working with Prodigy Clean Energy on a transportable floating nuclear power plant. It is having its eVinci reactor assessed by the Canadian nuclear regulator, as it plans to launch a pilot reactor in Canada by 2030. eVinci also aims to replace the use of diesel generators in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

“With this groundbreaking agreement, we are demonstrating the viability of eVinci technology for innovative use cases, where energy is needed in remote locations or areas with limited space. We look forward to our partnership with CORE POWER, which will bring the unique benefits of eVinci microreactors to marine and offshore applications,” said Jon Ball, president of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse.

Russia operates the first commercial floating nuclear power plant in Chukotka. The Akademik Lomonosov plant has two KLT-40S reactors and a total electrical capacity of 70 MW. It has been supplying electricity and heat since 2019 and underwent its first nuclear fuel replacement at the turn of last year and this year.