Drawing on strong heritages of innovation to meet the renewed interest in nuclear energy, Penn State and Westinghouse Electric Co. are partnering to unlock the potential of the industry-leading eVinci microreactor by engaging with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to develop a new nuclear research facility at the University Park campus.
Penn State submitted a letter of intent to the NRC on Feb. 28, which is the first step in the application process to install an eVinci microreactor at the new research facility. This work continues a research and development collaboration between Penn State and Westinghouse that began in 2022. The research initiative at the University is called FRONTIER - Forging a Renaissance of Nuclear Through Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Research.
The eVinci microreactor, a product of Westinghouse's pioneering heat pipe technology, offers a reliable and safe solution for powering the University's research facilities and buildings across campus. With its passive heat transfer system and its nonpressurized design, it operates like a nuclear battery, providing consistent power for more than eight years without refueling. This innovative approach reduces maintenance and enhances safety, making it an ideal choice as a sustainable energy solution.
"Today, the University announced its intent to make Westinghouse's eVinci microreactor a research priority," said Andrew Read, senior vice president for research at Penn State. "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."
In 1955, the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, also located at the University Park campus, became the first licensed research reactor at a university in the U.S. It continues to play a critical role in training nuclear engineers, supporting cutting-edge research and advancing nuclear science globally. Westinghouse pioneered commercial nuclear power, opening the nation's first pressurized water reactor at Shippingport Atomic Power Station in 1957.
"Penn State's new University Park research facility will further solidify Pennsylvania as one of the world's leading nuclear innovation hubs," said Jon Ball, president of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse. "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."
"We hope to leverage our legacy and produce new research using this new nuclear technology," said Tonya L. Peeples, Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering at Penn State. "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."
As part of the application process, the University will continue to engage with the NRC and determine possible locations for the facility. The public is invited to learn more about the FRONTIER project by visiting frontier.psu.edu and the eVinci microreactor at westinghousenuclear.com.
