BWXT to work with Department of Energy on microreactor development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected Lynchburg-based nuclear fuel supplier BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT) to lead a $106.6 million microreactor development project, the company announced Wednesday.

BWXT will work with two DOE-funded national laboratories to design and develop a small nuclear reactor. The DOE will contribute $85.3 million to the project, and BWXT will provide $21.3 million, according to a company statement.

“Today’s announcement is another contract win that highlights BWXT’s impressive design and engineering capabilities, as well as our fuel manufacturing expertise,” Ken Camplin, president of BWXT Nuclear Services Group Inc., said in a statement. “Innovative solutions like microreactors have the potential to solve a number of critical energy and environmental challenges for a variety of customers.”

As part of the program, BWXT plans to partner with Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

BWXT employs approximately 6,600 people across 12 major operating sites in the U.S. and Canada. The company also provides management and operations at the DOE and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Subscribe to Virginia Business.

Get our daily e-newsletter.