Sunita Somvanshi
X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, a leader in advanced nuclear reactors, has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a mobile microreactor. This project, funded through 2024, aims to create a transportable nuclear power plant capable of producing 3-5 megawatts of electricity at competitive prices.
The company received approximately $2.5 million from the DOE to make this microreactor a commercial reality. Georgette Alexander-Morrison, X-energy’s Vice-President of Government Programs, emphasized the importance of this funding in advancing their microreactor technology.
This project builds on X-energy’s expertise in nuclear reactor and fuel design, and transportable nuclear systems. The goal is to provide a clean energy alternative to traditional fossil fuels for both commercial and government applications.
In 2020, the Department of Defense (DOD) chose X-energy to design a mobile microreactor prototype for remote military operations under Project Pele. This reactor would generate 1-5 megawatts of electricity. The DOD has expanded this partnership to develop a cost-effective, transportable nuclear microreactor prototype.
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Dr. Hans Gougar, X-energy’s lead microreactor engineer, highlighted the project’s potential to replace diesel in remote areas, during disaster relief, maritime power delivery, and in situations where infrastructure is at risk.
The DOE is also supporting X-energy’s Xe-100 advanced reactor and the creation of a facility to manufacture TRISO-X fuel. This fuel is for next-generation reactors. Funding has helped X-energy in designing the Xe-100 reactor and the fuel facility, and in developing operational innovations like automation and robotics.
X-Energy is focused on creating safer, more efficient reactors and fuel, aiming to expand nuclear technology applications and markets. Their approach promises enhanced safety, lower costs, and faster construction than traditional nuclear power plants.
X-energy’s collaboration with the DOE and DOD is a significant step towards innovative, clean, and efficient energy solutions. The development of the mobile microreactor is not just a technological advancement but also a move towards sustainable and reliable energy for both civilian and military needs.
