- The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking Solution Briefs for a full lifecycle prototype micro-reactor nuclear power plant for the U.S. Army, targeting 3MW to 10MW capacity with operations starting by the end of 2030.
- The goal is to achieve 99.9% energy load availability for critical missions by 2030, utilizing permanent energy sources instead of emergency generation, in compliance with the 2021 NDAA mandate.
- Solutions must include design, construction, operation, and decommissioning, and integrate fuel enriched to 20% or less U-235, providing at least 20 years of power, and ensuring site radiation boundaries do not exceed five acres. Deadline for submissions is June 21, 2024.
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has issued a request for Solution Briefs addressing the needs of the U.S. Army for a full lifecycle prototype micro-reactor nuclear power plant(s). These microreactors are ideally supplied from 3MW to 10MW and are intended to commence operations at an Army installation within the continental United States by the end of 2030.
The 2021 NDAA set a goal for the DoD to achieve a minimum energy load availability of 99.9% for critical missions by the end of fiscal year 2030, promoting the use of permanent energy sources over emergency generation. The current solicitation by the Defense Innovation Unit aims to identify solutions leveraging recent advancements in the nuclear industry to assist the Army in maintaining military mission continuity and complying with the 2021 NDAA mandate.
The Solution Brief expects that it should cover the complete lifecycle of micro-reactor power plants, with operations starting by the end of 2030. The briefs need to have the following: design, construction, operation, decommissioning, and site restoration to an unrestricted release status. The solution ought to embrace a comprehensive and phased strategy to ensure compliance, covering planning, design, construction, environmental aspects, safety measures, physical/cyber protection, decommissioning, and management of spent fuel. Contractors are encouraged to propose alternative approaches to tackle regulatory challenges.
The solicitation offers additional information regarding the desired characteristics of the solution. Notably, the desired features include the following attributes:
- Solutions must incorporate fuel enriched to 20% or less U-235, which must be obtainable to adhere to the schedule. Evidence is needed to demonstrate that the proposed fuel form can be supplied within the outlined time.
- Able to produce adequate electrical power, preferably within 3 MW and 10 MW of electrical power. At the same time, compelling solutions outside this anticipated range will also be considered.
- Capable of local control and dispatch, integrated to the fullest extent possible into existing infrastructure, operations centers, workflows, and operations and maintenance systems.
- Capable of startup/shutdown and monitoring operations with or without commercial power availability (including black start and grid-connected start capability).
- Capable of reactor plant operations with a commercial shore power connection, with an alternative credited independent power source available as a backup.
- Ability to supply power for at least 20 years, including operations, maintenance, sustainment, and necessary refueling and maintenance activities to achieve electricity production and availability objectives (measured in percentages).
- Non-core irradiated material must be eliminated or certified for unrestricted release within 2 years of the termination of the power production contract. This plan, along with its associated financial structure, requires approval from the Army.
- Irradiated core material should ideally be removed from the site within 5 years of the termination of the power production contract, or as mutually agreed upon by the Army.
- The designated area for the reactor site, including radiation boundaries, must not exceed five acres, ensuring a protected area diameter of less than 540 feet.
For people who are interested the solicitation is available on the Defense Innovation Unit website or this link. The deadline for submission of Solution Briefs is June 21, 2024. People are encouraged to reach out for additional information.