The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - November 30, 2023
Each eVinci unit can deliver up to 5MW of electricity, plus heat, within an area "less than two thirds the size of a hockey rink."
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announces C$80 million to SRC for eVinci microreactor permitting and development.
Saskatchewan is investing C$80 million to become the home to Canada's first eVinci, a microreactor the province considers to be ideally suited for delivering zero-carbon electricity to communities, mines, and other off-grid industries.
Designed and built by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, eVinci is essentially a 5-megawatt battery that can deliver electricity and heat for around eight years at full output before it loses charge.
Each 5 MW module can be delivered in four shipping containers housing the reactor, power conversion unit, heat exchanger, and controls module. In truly Canadian fashion, Saskatchewan says the surrounding infrastructure for an eVinci module "is less than two thirds the size of a hockey rink."
These modules were purposefully designed to be delivered to remote locations such as northern mines and communities and installed in buildings like those that house the diesel generators that are a staple for delivering electricity across the North.
With each eVinci unit completely built at a factory, the installation and ramp-up to full delivery of clean and nearly silent electrical energy and heat generation only takes about 30 days. And much like batteries, the reactor units are simply swapped out for a recharged one when the specialized self-encapsulated fuel is depleted.
For mining operations, which sometimes need enough electricity to power a small city, multiple eVinci modules can be installed.
"Microreactors provide a custom solution for Saskatchewan's unique energy needs," said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
Seeing eVinci as a unique solution for zero-carbon energy for the province, the government has provided the Saskatchewan Research Council with $80 million to advance the project, starting with gaining regulatory approvals for the microreactor.
SRC currently estimates that it can get through the regulatory process in time to have the first demonstration eVinci reactor installed in Saskatchewan by 2029.
The installation will be carried out by Westinghouse, which signed an agreement with SRC last year to explore industrial, research, and energy use applications for eVinci.
"Westinghouse is proud to be working with the team at SRC on this vital project, and for the support from Premier Moe and the government of Saskatchewan," said Westinghouse President and CEO Patrick Fragman. "The eVinci battery technology is the perfect fit for Saskatchewan since it is fully transportable. It also provides carbon-free electricity and heat, uses no water and can be completely removed from site after operating continuously for eight years or more."
While the location of Canada's first eVinci demonstration plant has yet to be determined, it is expected to be at an industrial site in the province.
This demonstration plant will provide remote Canadian communities and mining operations a chance to see first-hand the advantages of replacing the delivery of thousands of gallons of expensive diesel to fuel loud generators with nearly silent eVinci batteries that only need to be replaced every eight years.
"Our vision is to see the first eVinci microreactor in an industrial application and lay the groundwork for many more projects in the future," said Saskatchewan Research Council President and CEO Mike Crabtree. "What we learn through this project will prepare SRC to assist communities and industries in future projects."
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
Reader Comments(0)