Saskatchewan Research Council receives government funding for project development
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania – November 27, 2023 – Westinghouse Electric Company congratulated today Saskatchewan Research Council about its funding to operate the first eVinci™ microreactor in Canada. Westinghouse and SRC signed a memorandum of understanding last year to jointly develop a project to locate an eVinci microreactor in Saskatchewan to further explore industrial, research and energy use applications.
eVinci Technologies President Jon Ball (left) and SRC President and CEO Mike Crabtree in front of a scale mockup of an eVinci microreactor at SRC.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said $80 million in government funding will support licensing and other work for the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2029, subject to regulatory and licensing processes. The location of the eVinci microreactor will be determined as the project progresses.
“This project has the opportunity to be transformative for our economy, industry and communities,” said Premier Moe. "Microreactors provide a customized solution for Saskatchewan's unique energy needs."
"Our vision is to see the first eVinci microreactor in an industrial application and lay the foundation for many more projects in the future," said SRC President and CEO Mike Crabtree. “What we learn through this project will prepare SRC to assist communities and industries in future projects.”
“Westinghouse is proud to work with the SRC team on this vital project and to be supported by Premier Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan,” said Patrick Fragman, president and CEO of Westinghouse. “eVinci battery technology is perfect for Saskatchewan as it is fully transportable. “It also provides carbon-free electricity and heat, uses no water and can be completely removed from site after operating continuously for eight years or more.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announces funding award for SRC.
Westinghouse began the supplier design review process with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in June. The company is seeking a joint regulatory review on some aspects of the technology with the CNSC and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Westinghouse recently received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to plan the siting of the eVinci nuclear test reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory. The test reactor, a one-fifth scale representation of an actual eVinci microreactor, will allow the technology to be finalized, tested, and licensed. Last year, the Canadian government awarded Westinghouse a grant from its Strategic Innovation Fund to promote development of the technology.
He eVinci Microreactor builds on decades of Westinghouse innovation to bring carbon-free, secure and scalable energy wherever it is needed for a variety of applications, including power and heating for remote communities, universities, mining operations, industrial centers, data centers and installations. defense, and soon the lunar surface and beyond. The eVinci microreactor has very few moving parts and essentially functions as a battery, providing versatility for power systems ranging from several kilowatts to 5 megawatts of electricity, delivered 24/7 for more than eight years without refueling. It can also produce high-temperature heat suitable for industrial applications, including the production of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, and has the flexibility to balance renewable production. The technology is 100 percent factory built and assembled before being shipped in a container to any location.
