Penn State, Westinghouse partner to advance science, nuclear engineering innovations

Pennsylvania State University and Westinghouse Electric Co. have partnered to conduct research and development focused on exploring and applying nuclear engineering and science innovations to society’s needs.

In addition, the partners will discuss locating Westinghouse’s eVinci micro-reactor at University Park.

The eVinci micro-reactor is a small modular reactor designed to address sustainable power needs. It can be integrated with other renewable power sources and produce sustainable carbon-free energy. It also can be built and implemented in communities without access to reliable energy because of location or a natural disaster.

Its small size allows it to be constructed and installed in as few as 30 days and transported by truck.

“Penn State and Westinghouse share a common vision for the potential of micro-reactors to revolutionize industry and energy globally,” Jean Paul Allain, project co-lead and head of the Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering at Penn State, said. “Our ultimate goal is to drastically reduce carbon-free energy costs in difficult to decarbonize sectors such as industrial manufacturing and transportation, leading a truly transformative change for how and where we power society.”

Other applications the partners plan to explore include how to displace carbon-generating energy sources at Penn State.