Michael Bradley, Dean of the USask College of Engineering, and Leah Crider, Westinghouse Vice President of eVinci Commercial Operations, sign the agreement
The partnership involves multiple departments at the University of Saskatchewan, including the School of Environment and Sustainability and the College of Engineering. Associate Vice-President Terry Fonstad stated: “By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we can drive forward advancements that will benefit our communities and enable us to set a global standard for clean energy innovation.”
The eVinci microreactor, developed by Westinghouse, is designed to produce up to 5 MWe with a 15 MWt core, using TRISO fuel to operate for over eight years without refueling. Its heatpipe-cooled design, with minimal moving parts, allows it to function like a battery, delivering scalable, carbon-free energy for applications such as data centers, mining, remote communities, industrial facilities, and universities. Westinghouse President of eVinci Technologies Jon Ball said: “The eVinci microreactor stands to provide Western Canada with a sustainable, reliable and economically beneficial energy solution. By leveraging the University of Saskatchewan’s research capabilities, we can accelerate deployment of our microreactor and contribute to the advancement of energy security and clean power generation in Saskatchewan and beyond.”
The University’s School of Environment and Sustainability has conducted an economic analysis to evaluate the potential benefits of deploying the eVinci microreactor in remote communities, focusing on reliable power and heat provision. The study, which examines impacts on community growth, investment, health, and safety, is expected to release results in the coming months.
In 2023, Saskatchewan allocated CAD 80 million (USD 59 million) through the Saskatchewan Research Council to demonstrate a microreactor in the province, targeting operational status for an eVinci unit by 2029. The reactor is currently under review by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Vendor Design Review process.
This collaboration strengthens Saskatchewan’s position in clean energy innovation, supporting sustainable energy solutions and economic development. The partnership aims to deliver reliable, low-carbon power to meet the region’s diverse energy needs while contributing to global advancements in microreactor technology.
