Nuclear

BWXT enters agreement to further develop Wyoming microreactor

BWXT previously entered into a two-year contract with the Wyoming Energy Authority to evaluate the feasibility of microreactor deployment in the state.
BWXT enters agreement to further develop Wyoming microreactor
(The BANR is a modular, factory-fabricated system that is small and light enough to be transported via rail, ship or truck and that can deliver 50 MW of thermal nuclear reactor power. Source: BWXT.)

Burns & McDonnell has entered into an agreement with BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT) to further the design and development of the BWXT nuclear microreactor.

The BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor (BANR) is a 50 MWt high-temperature gas reactor (HTGR) that is envisioned for remote power applications. BWXT and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have been developing the BANR microreactor since 2021.

In September 2023 BWXT entered a two-year contract with the Wyoming Energy Authority to evaluate the feasibility of microreactor deployment in the state.

Burns & McDonnell will assist BWXT in developing the balance of the plant (BOP) systems for the microreactor, generating the power plant layout and performing preconstruction planning.

The EPC’s project scope includes developing the power cycle architecture and identifying critical components such as the steam turbine generator and air-cooled condensers. Burns & McDonnell’s scope also includes site integration design and support for steam and power distribution infrastructure and reactor building structures.

“This project has so many unique aspects to it, including cogeneration, which would be the first domestic nuclear application that produces both electricity and steam for industrial use,” said says Scott Strawn, vice president and general manager of the Power Group at Burns & McDonnell.

Burns & McDonnell and BWXT completed phase one of this project in early 2024. Phase two is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

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