Penn State to collaborate with Westinghouse on research microreactor

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is collaborating with Westinghouse Electric Company on a new research microreactor called eVinci. Penn State and Westinghouse’s nuclear research initiative is called FRONTIER (Forging a Renaissance of Nuclear Through Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Research). Penn State shared a letter of intent to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Feb. 28, initiating the application process for installing eVinci at this new facility.

eVinci is a product of Westinghouse’s pioneering heat pipe technology. It is designed with a passive heat transfer system, operating like a nuclear battery. eVinci can provide consistent power without refueling for more than eight years. This will contribute to maintenance reduction, safety enhancement and energy sustainability.

In 1955, the Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR) became the first licensed research reactor in the United States. It trains nuclear engineers, supports advanced research and education, and advances nuclear science. A Penn State spokesperson confirmed that Breazeale will continue operating if eVinci goes forward.

“Today, the university announced its intent to make Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor a research priority,” Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Penn State said. “We believe this technology has the potential to change how we think of and use nuclear energy. And with Pennsylvania’s and Penn State’s rich history in nuclear research, FRONTIER is the team to lead this endeavor.”

“We hope to leverage our legacy and produce new research using this new nuclear technology,” Tonya L. Peeples, Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering at Penn State said. “We intend to advance and develop the skilled workforce needed in all areas, including engineering, construction, AI, operations, project management, licensing, safety, security, supply chain and many more.”

“Penn State’s new University Park research facility will further solidify Pennsylvania as one of the world’s leading nuclear innovation hubs,” Jon Ball, president of eVinci technologies at Westinghouse, said. “We look forward to bringing our advanced eVinci technology to the FRONTIER program to find new ways of harnessing nuclear energy while providing students and researchers with unprecedented opportunities.”

Prithvi Sudhakar is a third-year majoring in cybersecurity. To contact him, please email pzs5683@psu.edu.