The development marks the next step in an ongoing contract between Westinghouse, the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit. The agreement focuses on evaluating the potential deployment of a contractor-owned and operated nuclear microreactor at a U.S. Air Force installation.
Under the program, Westinghouse and its partners will assess siting and construction requirements for the eVinci microreactor at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The effort is intended to support reliable energy supply for mission-critical operations.
Rich Rademacher, President of Westinghouse Government Services, said: “Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor is perfectly suited to ensure our Armed Forces have the reliable and resilient energy they need for mission-critical operations globally.” He added: “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit.”
The eVinci microreactor is designed to deliver portable and resilient power for remote and defense applications. The system produces up to 5 megawatts of electricity continuously for more than eight years without refueling.
The technology has been developed using long-standing Westinghouse nuclear expertise. It features a simplified design with minimal moving parts to enhance reliability.
The microreactor is intended to be factory-built and assembled prior to deployment. This approach allows the system to be transported and installed more efficiently at operational sites.
