The future is here!


Defense Department picks BWXT to build 1st US advanced nuclear microreactor, with 2024 delivery

The U.S. Department of Defense has selected Virginia-based BWX Technologies to construct the nation's first advanced nuclear microreactor, the company said in a Thursday statement.
Dubbed "Project Pele," the reactor will be capable of producing 1-5 MW and will be transportable in commercially available shipping containers. Once fueled, it will undergo up to three years of testing.
The reactor is expected to be delivered to the Idaho National Laboratory in 2024 and will be built under a cost contract valued at approximately $300 million, according to BWXT.
Dive Insight:
DOD consumes about 30 TWh of electricity annually, and expects that demand to rise as it electrifies non-tactical vehicles.

"A safe, small, transportable nuclear reactor would address this growing demand with a resilient, carbon-free energy source," DOD said in April when it indicated the government would move ahead with Project Pele. At that time, the choice was between BWXT and a reactor design by Maryland-based X-energy.


https://www.utilitydive.com/news/defense-department-microreactor-bwx-technology-first-advanced-small-nuclear/625187/

Any mention if it would be on the civilian market or how much it would be?

None of the articles I've read mention it.

Quote from: Rick on August 11, 2022, 10:57:22 AMAny mention if it would be on the civilian market or how much it would be?

None of the articles I've read mention it.

No doubt a cool million plus.
However, there are far cheaper available, just not to the American public, but if this is successful, the Mkt will open up up in a decade or two and they'll be affordable, somewhat.

Yea, I'm going to buy a Chinese nuclear reactor.

Quote from: Rick on August 11, 2022, 01:37:56 PMYea, I'm going to buy a Chinese nuclear reactor.

Sadly, I'll be dead before they're released to the public. But I'd gladly drop 100K on one if they were available.