BWX Technologies, Inc. announced the award of the second phase of a contract with the Wyoming Energy Authority to assess the viability of deploying small-scale nuclear reactors in the state as a source of resilient and reliable energy to augment existing power generation resources. Under phase one of the program, BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC (BWXT) worked with the Wyoming Energy Authority to define the requirements for nuclear applications of base heat and power needs for remote, off-grid applications within the state. BWXT also performed microreactor system engineering work that could support Wyoming?s future power needs and identified areas where Wyoming?s existing supply chain could demonstrate capabilities for reactor component manufacturing and support reactor deployment.

Phase two of the contract includes completing conceptual design of a lead microreactor unit, developing a regulatory engagement plan and microreactor fleet model, and demonstrating the Wyoming supply chain?s ability to manufacture nuclear components. In support of this program, BWXT is leveraging existing U.S. Department of EnergyAdvanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) achievements through the company?s collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and other internal BWXT research and development investments. Through the ARDP, BWXT and DOE have been developing the BANR microreactor since 2021, and this effort in Wyoming represents an acceleration of BWXT?s commercial nuclear development efforts.

INL has been providing strategic and technical support to the State of Wyoming under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022.