BWTX Military Reactor Contract
DoD Selects BWTX to Manufacture for INL
“U.S. Department of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office Selects BWXT to Manufacture and Deliver Project Pele Prototype Reactor to Idaho National Laboratory in 2024”
(LYNCHBURG, Va. – June 9, 2022) – BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) to build the first advanced nuclear microreactor in the United States. The Project Pele full-scale transportable microreactor prototype will be completed and delivered in 2024 for testing at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
Project Overview
SCO has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop, prototype, and demonstrate a transportable microreactor that provides a resilient power source to the DoD. This reactor aims to replace traditional fossil fuel supply lines with a clean, zero-carbon energy solution, suitable for various austere conditions. The microreactor also holds potential for commercial applications such as disaster response, power generation at remote locations, and deep decarbonization initiatives (BWX Technologies) (BWXT Investors).
Contract Details
The prototype will be built under a cost-type contract valued at approximately $300 million. BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC will handle the construction in their Lynchburg, Virginia, and Euclid, Ohio facilities. The project will employ approximately 120 workers, including 40 new hires in skilled trades and engineering positions (BWXT Investors).
Microreactor Specifications
The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) will operate at a power level between 1 and 5 MWe. It will utilize TRISO fuel, a high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel known for its durability under extreme heat and low environmental risk. The transportable reactor core and associated control system are designed to maintain safety during transport and operation. The reactor’s components will be housed in 20-foot ISO-compliant CONEX shipping containers, allowing for transport by road, rail, sea, or air. The reactor system can be assembled on-site and operational within 72 hours, with disassembly for transport taking less than seven days (BWX Technologies) (BWXT Investors).
Testing and Licensing
Upon delivery to INL, the reactor and fuel will be shipped separately, with on-site fueling. The system will undergo up to three years of testing to confirm performance and operability. Testing will include disassembly, relocation, and reassembly to validate transportability. Power generated by the reactor will be transferred to load banks to mimic operational loads. The testing and operation will proceed under the Department of Energy's authorization, with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission providing regulatory guidance (Utility Dive) (BWXT Investors).
Project Team
BWXT leads the project as the prime contractor and integration lead, responsible for reactor module manufacture. Key partners include Northrop Grumman, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks, and Torch Technologies, Inc. These companies bring specialized expertise to ensure the successful development and operation of the Project Pele prototype (American Nuclear Society) (BWXT Investors).
Strategic Significance
The primary objective of Project Pele is to offer a resilient, mobile power source for military operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and extensive supply lines. The project also aims to support commercial needs for disaster response and remote power generation, contributing to deep decarbonization efforts. This initiative highlights the importance of advanced nuclear technology in meeting growing energy demands and achieving significant carbon reduction goals (BWX Technologies) (Utility Dive) (American Nuclear Society) (BWXT Investors).
Forward-Looking Statements
BWXT cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including those related to the performance, timing, impact, and value of the SCO contract. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including contract modifications, funding, and technological challenges. For more details, refer to BWXT’s annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (BWXT Investors).
About BWXT
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) is a leading manufacturer and engineering innovator providing nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental remediation, nuclear medicine, and space exploration. With approximately 6,700 employees, BWXT operates 14 major sites in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. For more information, visit BWXT (BWXT Investors)
For further details and the original press release, visit the BWXT Newsroom (BWX Technologies).