Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 5, Westinghouse has achieved a significant step toward licensing its eVinci microreactor in the United States with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approving the Principal Design Criteria (PDC) Topical Report. This outlines how the reactor’s structures, systems, and components will operate, ensuring they meet NRC safety and design standards. Westinghouse noted that this milestone paves the way for a smoother licensing process for the eVinci microreactor and its future deployment.

Screenshot from Westinghouse's eVinci video presentation

The PDCs establish the functional framework for the reactor’s design, aligning it with NRC regulations. This clarity simplifies licensing for customers and supports the microreactor’s rollout. Jon Ball, president of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse, commented: “This will allow customers to take advantage of the eVinci microreactor’s small size and transportability to rapidly deploy when and where they need them for cost-competitive and resilient power.” The approval boosts confidence in the reactor’s ability to be licensed efficiently and consistently.

The eVinci microreactor, cooled by heat pipes, can generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity (MWe) with a 15-megawatt thermal (MWth) core. Fueled by TRISO technology, the reactor core is built to operate for eight or more years at full power before requiring refueling. Its factory-assembled design allows it to be shipped in a container, offering flexible energy solutions for various uses, from remote sites to industrial applications.

Westinghouse is actively working with the NRC on pre-application steps to secure full licensing for the eVinci microreactor. In December 2024, the NRC approved the reactor’s Advanced Logic System Version 2 instrumentation and control platform, making it the first microreactor to gain such approval for its control systems. This earlier milestone complements the PDC approval, reinforcing the project’s progress toward operational readiness.

The eVinci microreactor’s compact and scalable design aims to meet growing demand for reliable, low-carbon energy. With the NRC’s backing of its design criteria, Westinghouse is positioned to offer customers a practical option for sustainable power generation. The company’s ongoing collaboration with the regulator ensures that the microreactor meets stringent safety and performance standards, facilitating its eventual deployment across the U.S.

This approval marks a key advancement in Westinghouse’s efforts to bring the eVinci microreactor to market. The combination of its innovative technology and streamlined licensing process highlights its potential to deliver efficient, transportable energy solutions in the near future.