The Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant to conduct the first microreactor tests in the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments, dubbed DOME.
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What Is the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments Test Bed?
The Energy Department said Tuesday the DOME facility, operated by DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center, is designed to boost the nation’s capability to meet power demands by accelerating the deployment of microreactor technologies. The facility, currently under construction at the Idaho National Laboratory, will utilize the laboratory’s existing infrastructure to conduct fueled reactor experiments that generate up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy.
Initial DOME Microreactor Tests
The two companies, competitively selected in 2023, will test their microreactor designs in the DOME facility starting in spring 2026. Westinghouse plans to test its eVinci Nuclear Test Reactor, supporting the development of its commercial, transportable microreactor that utilizes advanced heat pipe technology for passive cooling. The eVinci is designed to generate five megawatts of electricity. It is intended for powering remote communities, mining operations, data centers and other areas as small as two acres.
Radiant will conduct experiments on its Kaleidos Development Unit to further develop its commercial 1.2 megawatt electric high-temperature gas reactor design. Kaleidos, intended to replace diesel generators, is engineered to run for five years before needing to refuel. It can potentially serve as a backup power source for hospitals, military installations and other facilities.
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