DOD awards contracts for prototype mobile nuclear reactor

摘要

The Defense Department today awarded contracts to begin work on a prototype mobile nuclear reactor under a Strategic Capabilities Office initiative called "Project Pele." The awardees are BWX Technologies, Westinghouse Government Services and X-energy, according to a DOD announcement. One company will potentially be chosen to build and demonstrate the final prototype upon completion of a two-year "design-maturation period," DOD said. "Project Pele involves the development of a safe, mobile and advanced nuclear microreactor to support a variety of Department of Defense missions, such as generating power for remote operating bases," according to DOD. Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord previewed the contract awards last week. The Pentagon did not immediately release the cost of the prototype contracts and details on the SCO's programs are classified, but budget justification documents sent to Congress show lawmakers added $63 million for a "Micro Nuclear Reactor" program in fiscal year 2020.