Nuclear reactor for the US Army: BWXT is working on a 1.5 MW mini reactor
A transportable mini-reactor is to ensure the power supply to US military bases. BWXT is working with Rolls-Royce on a prototype.
This is what the Pele mini reactor should look like schematically (rendering).
(Image: BWXT)
The US company BWX Technologies (BWXT) is currently working on a demonstrator of its Pele mini reactor for use at US armed forces sites. The small reactor can be transported in four 6 m long containers and should be able to generate up to 1.5 MW.
The Pele reactor is being developed on behalf of the Pentagon's Strategic Capabilities Office. The small, transportable nuclear reactor is designed to ensure the power supply at military bases and remote locations, even in the event of a crisis. However, it could also be used to supply power to remote research stations or areas after natural disasters.
Small and portable
Pele is so small that it fits into and can be transported in four approximately 6 m long containers. It is to be operated with TRISO fuel, a high-grade low-enriched uranium fuel (high-assay low-enriched uranium – HALEU), which is enriched with between 5 percent and 20 percent uranium-235. The fuel is designed to withstand particularly high temperatures and pose only "a low risk to the environment", according to a BWXT press release. The mini-reactor should then be able to supply electricity for around three years on a single charge.
The Pele project is being implemented together with Rolls-Royce Liberty Works, a specialist in mission-critical energy systems.
The US Department of Defense had already initiated the development and construction of a mini-reactor for a transportable energy source in the megawatt range in 2016 with a study. Due to the need to be able to supply military bases with self-generated electricity, the Pentagon commissioned BWXT to develop and build a functioning prototype as a demonstrator in 2022. The aim is for the Pele demonstrator to go into operation in 2028.
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However, BWXT is not the only company developing a mini-reactor. Radiant Nuclear, a company founded by ex-SpaceX engineer Doug Bernauer, also wants to build a transportable reactor. Bernauer worked for SpaceX on technologies for supplying energy to future Mars colonies.
(olb)
