Project developer says first unit could be operating by 2030
A conceptual illustration of Prodigy’s microreactor nuclear power station, a marine facility that is transported and coastally installed on land.Canada-based Prodigy Clean Energy and Des Nëdhé Group have announced a memorandum of understanding to develop opportunities to power remote mines and off-grid communities in Canada using Prodigy microreactor transportable nuclear power plants (TNPPs).
Under the MOU, project developer Prodigy and Des Nëdhé, an indigenous economic development corporation, will explore potential TNPP projects using microreactors including Westinghouse’s eVinci, a 5 MW unit that Westinghouse has said is the ideal technology for TNPPs.
Earlier this year Prodigy said the first unit could be operating by in Canada by 2030.
The Prodigy TNPP, which can integrate different types of microreactors, would be manufactured, outfitted, and partially commissioned in a shipyard, then transported to site for installation either on land or in a marine, shoreside setting.
The facility would require minimal site preparation when compared to a site-constructed small modular reactor (SMR). Since the TNPP would arrive at site more ready for final commissioning, power generation could begin in a matter of weeks. At the end of project life, the TNPP would be removed for decommissioning, eliminating legacy waste.
Off-grid diesel replacement in Canada is a large opportunity, with most remote communities each requiring up to 5 MW, and remote mines from 15-45 MW.
Prodigy TNPPs would enable the deployment of microreactors safely and economically, even in hard-to-access locations such as those in the north of the country.
“Power generated would facilitate infrastructure improvements across the north, drive increased production of critical minerals, including those needed for transportation electrification, and increase opportunities for the long-term economic reconciliation of Indigenous Peoples,” a statement said.
Prodigy is collaborating with Westinghouse to develop a TNPP outfitted with the Westinghouse eVinci microreactor, that would be suitable for these applications.
Westinghouse and Prodigy signed an agreement in 2022 and have completed milestones for conceptual engineering and regulatory studies.
Westinghouse said the next steps for the project include completing the TNPP design for the eVinci microreactor, completing development of a nuclear oversight model for TNPP manufacturing, outfitting and transport, and progressing licensing and site assessments to support a first project.
Prodigy and Des Nëdhé also said they planned to engage with Indigenous Peoples across Canada to identify ways they could have ownership in TNPP new builds, and how an Indigenous workforce could take a leading role in TNPP commercialisation and infrastructure development.
In 2022, Prodigy and US reactor developer NuScale Power announced a conceptual design for a transportable and marine-based small modular reactor power generating facility.