Saskatchewan Research Council Receives Government Funding for Project Development
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Nov. 27, 2023 – Westinghouse Electric Company today congratulated Saskatchewan Research Council on its funding to operate the first-ever eVinci™ microreactor in Canada. Westinghouse and SRC signed an MOU 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 mock-up of an eVinci microreactor at SRC.
Premier Scott Moe of Saskatchewan said $80 million in government funding will support licensing and other work for the project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2029, subject to licensing and regulatory 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 custom solution for Saskatchewan’s unique energy needs.”
“Our vision is to see the first eVinci microreactor in an industrial application and lay the groundwork for many more projects in the future,” President and CEO of SRC Mike Crabtree said. “What we learn through this project will prepare SRC to assist communities and industries in future projects.”
“Westinghouse is proud to be working with the team at SRC on this vital project, and for the support from Premier Moe and the government of Saskatchewan,” said Patrick Fragman, President and CEO, Westinghouse. “The eVinci battery technology is the perfect fit for Saskatchewan since 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.”
Premier Scott Moe of Saskatchewan announces the funding award for SRC.
Westinghouse began the Vendor Design Review process with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in June. The company is seeking regulatory joint-review on a few 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 for the location of the eVinci Nuclear Test Reactor at Idaho National Lab. The test reactor, a one-fifth scale representation of an actual eVinci microreactor, will enable design finalization, testing and licensing of the technology. Last year, the Canadian government awarded Westinghouse a grant from its Strategic Innovation Fund to further the technology’s development.
The eVinci Microreactor builds on decades of Westinghouse innovation to bring carbon-free, safe and scalable energy wherever it is needed for a variety of applications, including electricity and heating for remote communities, universities, mining operations, industrial centers, data centers, and defense facilities, and soon the lunar surface and beyond. The eVinci microreactor has very few moving parts, working essentially as a battery, providing the versatility for power systems ranging from several kilowatts to 5 megawatts of electricity, delivered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for eight-plus years without refueling. It can also produce high temperature heat suitable for industrial applications including alternative fuel production such as hydrogen, and has the flexibility to balance renewable output. The technology is 100 percent factory built and assembled before it is shipped in a container to any location.
