Tech giants are flocking to develop "micro-reactors," is spring coming for the nuclear energy industry?

As the world actively seeks clean energy to combat climate change, several nuclear energy companies are developing "micro-reactors" the size of shipping containers, hoping to compete with batteries and become a new source of zero-carbon energy.

The goal of micro-reactors is to replace diesel and natural gas generators, which are widely used in data centers, remote communities, and offshore oil and gas platforms. The output power of micro-reactors is typically around 20 megawatts, enough to power approximately 20,000 households.

Unlike traditional large nuclear power plants, these reactors can operate flexibly like large batteries, requiring no control room or staff on-site. Once transported to the site, they can be connected to the grid and run continuously for several years, after which they can be sent back to the manufacturer for fuel replacement.

Jon Ball, head of Westinghouse Electric's eVinci micro-reactor project, stated that as investor interest grows, micro-reactors will become an important growth area.

Micro Nuclear Reactors: The New Engine of Energy Revolution

The revival of nuclear energy is driven by the urgent demand from governments and large technology companies for clean energy to meet climate commitments.

Currently, dozens of projects are developing small modular reactors, which can generate up to 300 megawatts, while micro-reactors typically have an output power of 20 megawatts, sufficient to power about 20,000 households.

Micro-reactors operate similarly to large batteries, requiring no on-site control room or staff. The reactors will be transported to designated locations, and once connected, can run continuously for several years before being returned to the manufacturer for refueling.

Westinghouse Electric's eVinci micro-reactor received control system approval from U.S. nuclear regulators last year and will achieve remote operation in the future. The reactor extracts heat from nuclear fuel using pipes filled with liquid sodium and transfers it to the surrounding air, driving turbines for electricity generation or heating systems. Ball stated:

"Our goal is to operate independently from a central location, only needing to monitor reactors deployed around the world."

The eVinci micro-reactor also uses Triso fuel with a ceramic coating, designed to withstand extreme temperatures without melting down. eVinci is the first micro-reactor to complete engineering research and is expected to begin testing in 2027. Westinghouse Electric has also recently signed an agreement with British startup Core Power, which plans to develop offshore nuclear power stations.

Core Power CEO Mikal Bøe stated that eVinci is expected to obtain an operating license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission by 2029.

Ball pointed out that the target markets for eVinci include data centers and the oil and gas industry. He believes that multiple micro-reactors operating in parallel will provide a more stable energy supply for data centers.

In the Early Stages of Development, Micro-Reactors Still Face Challenges

However, the market for micro-reactors is still in its early stages of development.

J Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy, stated that as the scale shrinks, economic viability faces challenges. He pointed out:

"You must achieve a larger scale for micro-reactors to be economically viable."

Bøe believes that once the production line is scaled up, micro-reactors will be price competitive. He expects that producing 60 to 120 reactors could achieve electricity prices between $100 and $150 per megawatt-hour. Although this price is not competitive with grid-scale electricity, it has a strong competitive advantage in locations such as ports, terminals, petrochemical facilities, and remote areas.

In addition, issues regarding the safety, transportation, and operation of micro-reactors still need to be addressed.

Ronan Tanguy, head of the safety and licensing program at the World Nuclear Association, pointed out that regulators still need to establish rules regarding the remote operation and cybersecurity of micro-reactors. Furthermore, regulations for cross-border transportation and on-site refueling are also urgently needed