Core Power studies BWXT SMR deployment on floating nuclear plants

UK-based nuclear technology firm Core Power is assessing the feasibility of using a small modular reactor (SMR) developed by BWX Technologies on floating nuclear power plants.

IMAGE: Concept of Crowley and BWXT's nuclear power-generation vessel. Crowley

The feasibility study will assess technical requirements, operational concepts, regulatory pathways, project economics and the marine integration of nuclear reactors, Core Power said.

An SMR is a compact nuclear reactor typically capable of generating up to 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity per unit. Compared with conventional nuclear reactors, SMRs generally require less maintenance and are considered safer because their reactor cores can be automatically cooled in the event of an accident.

The SMR developed by US-based BWX Technologies can generate around 195 MW of electricity, Core Power said. The reactor is expected to be integrated into a floating nuclear power plant at a shipyard.

Floating nuclear power plants can support the production of low-emission fuels by providing low-carbon electricity for e-methanol and green ammonia projects. Their mobility and scalability make them particularly suited to regions with limited or unreliable grid access, Core Power noted.

"We're building, integrating and deploying ship-based nuclear energy systems that deliver reliable power where industry and nations need it most," said Mikal Bøe, chief executive of Core Power.

"We are focused on commercial delivery, from vessels and infrastructure to kilowatts consumed and industries powered."

BWX Technologies (BWXT) also partnered with shipping company Crowley in 2023 to conceptualise a vessel that can generate nuclear power via an onboard nuclear reactor.

By Konica Bhatt

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