Nuclear power comes from a process called nuclear fission, where atoms of enriched uranium are split apart in a reactor. This releases a large amount of heat energy, along with radiation and neutrons. The neutrons from one split atom can cause others to split, creating a chain reaction. To keep the reaction under control, control rods are used to absorb some of the neutrons and prevent the reactor from overheating.
The heat from fission is used to boil water into steam, which then spins turbines connected to generators. This is how electricity is produced. While the process is similar to how coal or gas plants work, nuclear energy does not produce emissions.
Nuclear power is most frequently produced from uranium and delivers a steady, dispatchable form of energy without emissions. A typical 1,000-megawatt reactor can provide electricity for up to one million people. Unlike other power plants, nuclear plants emit no carbon dioxide. Nuclear power has the best capacity factor of all forms of electrical generation, a measure of reliability. A nuclear power plant can operate at over 90% capacity, whereas coal-fired plants run at about 64%, natural gas power plants at 43%, and hydroelectric plants at 40%.
BWX Technologies’ BANR (BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor) is a 50 MW thermal, high-temperature gas-cooled microreactor designed for flexible, modular energy generation. Utilizing TRISO fuel particles, renowned for their robustness and safety, the reactor offers inherent safety features, including passive cooling systems that do not rely on external power sources. Its modular, factory-fabricated design allows for transportation via standard rail, truck, or ship, facilitating rapid deployment to remote or off-grid locations. BANR is capable of providing electricity, industrial process heat, or both through cogeneration, making it suitable for applications ranging from mining operations to data centers. BANR is undergoing development and testing in partnership with the State of Wyoming, including TRISO fuel evaluations at Idaho National Laboratory, with the goal of demonstrating commercial viability.
