BWX Technologies Inc (BWXT) has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Wyoming Energy Authority to assess potential sites for a new TRISO nuclear fuel production facility in the state.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Requirements
Under the agreement, BWXT will conduct a thorough evaluation of the requirements for establishing a fuel fabrication facility in Wyoming.
This approximately 18-month endeavor will examine potential factory locations, product specifications, facility design and engineering, estimated capital expenditures and operating costs, staffing and workforce skill needs, supply chain necessities, licensing, and other relevant factors.
Meeting Future Demand for Specialized Nuclear Fuel
“This initiative will help establish the groundwork for facilities required to meet the anticipated demand for this specialized nuclear fuel, including determining the scale necessary for economic viability,” the company stated.
TRISO fuel consists of spherical kernels of enriched uranium oxycarbide (or uranium dioxide) encapsulated by layers of carbon and silicon carbide, providing a containment for fission products that remains stable at very high temperatures.
High-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) TRISO fuels are being considered the preferred fuel for several advanced reactor designs currently under development.
BWXT’s Extensive Experience in Nuclear Fuel Production
“BWXT owns and operates the only two Nuclear Regulatory Commission Category 1-licensed commercial nuclear facilities in the United States and also manufactures fuel for the successful Canadian nuclear power market,” said Joe Miller, President of BWXT’s subsidiary BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC.
“With approximately 40 years of experience supplying nuclear fuel to various government and commercial markets, BWXT possesses a unique and highly credible background to draw upon as we evaluate options for a potential new facility.”
Wyoming’s Growing Nuclear Industry
“This is an exciting step forward for Wyoming’s expanding nuclear industry and demonstrates that Wyoming is actively engaged in this competitive market,” remarked Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority.
“Assessing the potential to fabricate fuel within Wyoming will bring us closer to establishing a comprehensive nuclear industry, adding value to our already robust energy portfolio.”
BWXT’s Expertise in TRISO Fuel Manufacturing
BWXT is the sole US company producing irradiation-tested uranium oxycarbide TRISO fuel using production-scale equipment.
As a participant in the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy’s Next Generation Nuclear Plant program for over 15 years, BWXT has developed the expertise to manufacture TRISO-coated kernels.
Under the DOE’s Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development Program, BWXT has manufactured and certified TRISO-coated kernels and fuel compacts in production-scale quantities at its Specialty Fuel Facility in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Collaboration with Wyoming on Micro-Reactor Deployment
BWXT has been actively collaborating with the State of Wyoming since 2023 to explore options for constructing and deploying micro-reactors in the state.
The company is currently fulfilling a contract with the Wyoming Energy Authority to assess the feasibility of deploying small modular reactors as a source of resilient and reliable energy to supplement existing power generation resources.
BWXT has also forged agreements with Wyoming-based businesses like L&H Industrial, Tata Chemicals Soda Ash Partners LLC, and others to support the goal of micro-reactor deployment in the state.
Governor’s Support for Diversified Energy Strategy
“As part of our all-of-the-above energy strategy, the possibility of a nuclear fuel fabrication facility here in Wyoming is exciting,” stated Governor Mark Gordon.
“With global energy demands continuing to rise, Wyoming must remain focused on protecting our core industries while continuously diversifying our energy sources. Wyoming has it all. Nuclear power has been a steadfast component of our energy portfolio, and like coal, can begin with raw materials mined in Wyoming, processed in Wyoming, and used in Wyoming. A true trifecta.”