Burns & McDonnell to advance BWXT microreactor development

Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Under the agreement, Burns & McDonnell will leverage its experience in the commercial power industry to assist BWX Technologies Inc (BWXT) in developing the balance of the plant systems for the microreactor, generating the power plant layout and performing preconstruction planning.

The company's project scope includes developing the power cycle architecture and identifying critical components such as the steam turbine generator and air-cooled condensers. It also includes site integration design and support for steam and power distribution infrastructure and reactor building structures.

BANR is a 50 MWt high-temperature gas microreactor that uses a form of TRISO (TRIstructural-ISOtropic) fuel. The technology was one of five selected in December 2020 by the US Department of Energy to receive a share of USD30 million in initial funding for risk reduction projects under its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP).

In September last year, BWXT announced it had been contracted by the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) to assess the viability of deploying microreactors in the state. During phase one of the contract, BWXT was to work with Wyoming industries to define the requirements basis for nuclear applications of base heat and power needs of the trona mining operations within the state. BWXT was also to perform engineering work to further the design of its BANR microreactor system that can integrate into Wyoming's future power needs. This work also included identifying areas where Wyoming's existing supply chain can demonstrate capabilities for reactor component manufacturing and support reactor deployment.

Based on the outcomes of the first phase, phase two of the contract entails BWXT furthering the design basis of BANR to meet the specific needs of potential Wyoming end users. A demonstration of the capabilities of Wyoming manufacturers would also be performed to validate the supply chain activities completed in phase one.

Burns & McDonnell and BWXT completed phase one of this project in early 2024. Phase two is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

"There's been tremendous support as we've explored the potential opportunities for deploying microreactors in Wyoming," said BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC President Joseph Miller. "We look forward to taking this next step with Burns & McDonnell to advance our designs and the nuclear industry overall."

"Through this project, Burns & McDonnell continues its commitment to advancing nuclear technology in the power industry and is excited to work with BWXT, a premier nuclear manufacturer that's been designing, building and delivering reactors for decades," said Scott Strawn, vice president and general manager of the Power Group at Burns & McDonnell. "This project has so many unique aspects to it, including cogeneration, which would be the first domestic nuclear application that produces both electricity and steam for industrial use."