Two separate teams led by BWX Technologies (NYSE: BWXT) and X-energy have won contract options to finalize portable microreactor designs as part of a prototype competition managed by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office.
BWXT and X-energy will move forward from preliminary design work under Project Pele and conduct independent development efforts in the next phase, DOD said Monday.
The department is seeking a transportable nuclear reactor system that could operate for at least three years, produce up to 5 megawatts of electricity and provide a power supply option for critical infrastructure support or disaster relief operations.
DOD noted it may select one team to advance onto the prototype manufacturing and demonstration phase next year upon completion of final design and environmental assessments.
The Pentagon initially awarded preliminary design contracts to BWXT, X-energy and Westinghouse‘s government services unit last year.
