Nuclear engineers at Rolls-Royce have been brought in to work on a $300 million US Department of Defense contract to build a full-scale transportable prototype micro nuclear reactor.
The engineering giant is working with aerospace company BWX Technologies, based in Lynchburg, Virginia, on a prototype power generator with the ability to be dismantled and moved about in traditional shipping containers. Called Project Pele, the plan is for it to be delivered for testing at the Idaho National Laboratory in 2024.
BWXT is the main lead on the deal, and will be responsible for building the gas-cooled reactor, but Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks – a US subsidiary based in Indianapolis – is among companies with key roles. In all, around 120 people will work on the project.
A UK spokesman for the Derby-based engineer said: “Rolls-Royce has been an industry leader in developing reliable sources of energy to help the Department of Defense and other customers be resilient using various energy sources.
“We pioneer cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions.
“We are excited to be part of the winning BWXT team along with Northrop Grumman, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Torch Technologies, and expand our capabilities in nuclear power generation.”
The Department of Defense hopes deployable microreactors could provide a resilient power source for operations that have historically relied on fossil fuel generators and extensive supply lines.
They could make zero-carbon energy where and when it is needed in tough conditions, not only for the DoD, but for applications such as disaster response and recovery, power generation at remote locations, and deep decarbonization initiatives.
BWXT said it would be powered by TRISO fuel, a specific type of uranium fuel that can withstand extreme heat and, which it says, has “very low environmental risks”.
It says the fuel has been “tested and verified” to temperatures far exceeding the operating conditions of the reactor.
BWXT said: “The entire reactor system is designed to be assembled on-site and operational within 72 hours.
“Shut down, cool down, disconnection and removal for transport is designed to occur in less than seven days.”
Once fueled, the system will undergo up to three years of testing at Idaho National Laboratory and undergo being disassembled and reassembled to prove transportability.
Testing and operation will take place under the authorisation of the US Department of Energy.
Joe Miller, BWXT Advanced Technologies president, said: “We are on a mission to design, build and test new nuclear technology to protect the environment while providing power, and we are thrilled with this competitively bid award after years of hard work by our design and engineering team.
“The entire nuclear industry recognizes that advanced reactors are an important step forward to support growing power needs and significant carbon reduction imperatives.”
