Bruce Power and Westinghouse Electric Company today announced an agreement to pursue applications of Westinghouse’s leading eVinci™ micro reactor program within Canada, to provide a reliable source of carbon-free energy. The agreement supports efforts by the federal and provincial governments to study applications for nuclear technology to reach their goal of a Net Zero Canada by 2050.
The eVinci micro reactor is a next-generation, small battery for decentralised generation markets and micro grids such as remote communities, remote industrial mines and critical infrastructure. It is designed to provide competitive and resilient power and superior reliability with minimal maintenance and its small size allows for standard transportation methods and rapid, on-site deployment. The reactor core is designed to run for three or more years, eliminating the need for frequent refuelling.
The key benefits of the eVinci Micro Reactor are attributed to its solid core and advanced heat pipes. The heat pipes enable passive core heat extraction, allowing autonomous operation and inherent load following capabilities. These advanced technologies together make the eVinci Micro Reactor a pseudo “solid-state” reactor with minimal moving parts.
“Small modular and micro reactors represent an incredible opportunity to bring GHG-emission free, affordable energy to the farthest regions of our province, supporting resource and economic development across our country,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. “Today’s announcement further positions Bruce Power and Ontario as a global leader in nuclear innovation. I’m proud to see the technology that will power tomorrow being advanced right here in Ontario.”
“Our eVinci technology can provide clean, reliable energy to remote areas and industrial applications across Canada,” said Patrick Fragman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Westinghouse Electric Company. “We are proud to partner with Bruce Power to power the future with carbon-free, affordable electricity that will provide Canadian communities with increased energy flexibility and security.”
Over the next year, the work between the two companies will focus on furthering the public policy and regulatory framework; assessing the economic, social and environmental contribution of the eVinci technology compared to alternates such as diesel or other fossil fuels; identifying potential industrial applications; and accelerating the roadmap for Canada to host a globally recognised demonstration as part of the federal small modular reactor (SMR) action plan.
“Bruce Power and Westinghouse Canada have a strong existing relationship and as Canada seeks new innovative options to build on its existing clean, CO2-free nuclear advantage, this is an exciting opportunity to advance further towards a Net Zero Canada by 2050,” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO of Bruce Power. “Bruce Power will leverage our relationships and capacity within the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and Laurentian University-based Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) towards this exciting opportunity for Canada.”
Bruce Power says it is committed to advancing future opportunities for nuclear energy to provide a clean, reliable source of electricity that provides life-saving medical isotopes around the world, in addition to being a source of jobs and innovation in communities across Canada.
This agreement is the latest partnership between Bruce Power, Westinghouse and key Canadian stakeholders to work towards Canada’s Net Zero by 2050 goal. This follows a Westinghouse presentation on the eVinci program at a conference hosted by the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) last month and attended by 200 people from leading Canadian suppliers.
