Ramona Adams
Bechtel and BWX Technologies have entered into a new agreement to further develop a small modular nuclear reactor that can be used for commercial purposes.
Bechtel said Friday it will provide program management, engineering and construction services for the Generation mPower project while BWXT will design the nuclear steam supply system.
The two companies will then work together to apply for certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Bechtel added.
“[Small] modular reactors can deliver more 24/7 electricity than any other low-carbon alternative energy technology,” said Ty Troutman, general manager of the nuclear power business at Bechtel.
Generation mPower features a compact, rail-shippable reactor with safety systems based on post-Fukushima design measures, an underground containment structure, standard fuel assemblies made from “less than five percent enriched” uranium and a cost-effective deployment design.
Engineering and development for the project received funding through a cooperative agreement with the Energy Department under the Small Modular Reactor Licensing Technical Support Program.
Bechtel said Generation mPower aims to provide safe and cost-effective low-carbon energy through BWXT’s 195-megawatt mPower electric power plant reactor.
