The fund has previously made grants to two SMR projects: CAD20m for Canada-based Terrestrial Energy to accelerate development of its integral molten salt reactor and CAD47.5m to Moltex Energy, another Canadian company. to help develop its 300 MW stable salt reactor-wasteburner (SSR-W) technology.
According to Westinghouse, eVinci is a next-generation, very small modular reactor for decentralised generation purposes including off-grid sites, remote communities, disaster recovery, industrial sites, defence facilities, marine propulsion, hydrogen generation, and water purification among others.
The small size of eVinci reactor, between 5-10-MW, would allow for easier transportation and rapid on-site installation, Westinghouse has previously said.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s innovation minister, said the government expects the eVinci technology to help deliver cleaner energy sources across Canada, especially in remote communities.
In October 2021, Westinghouse and Canadian utility Bruce power published the results of a study according to which the microreactor is expected to be between 14% and 44% more economic than a diesel generator – presenting a significant opportunity to power the remote areas largely reliant on fossil fuels today.
In December 2021, Westinghouse submitted a regulatory engagement plant for the eVinci to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The document, which is a roadmap for the interaction and communication between the regulator and applicant regarding licensing, is the first step in the regulatory licensing process.
