A letter of intent has been signed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and B&W for the mPower reactor. This is the beginning stage of a long term plan for the deployment of the mini reactor.
Additionally, TVA has signed a deal with B&W to explore the use and construction of a fleet of mini reactors across the region. The TVA is a consortium of cooperative and municipal energy utilities. TVA wants to diversify to meet the needs of the area and plan for future growth.
The current state of the economy and harder to get credit have forced companies to consider alternatives for the high price of nuclear reactors. Large scale reactors that can produce up to 1,600 mw of energy tip the cost scales at up to $12 billion. This large price tag is greater than many energy utility companies show for a market value. Being able to deploy a smaller reactor with a significantly lower price tag that also has scaling capabilities makes for an attractive offering.
CEO of the newly formed mPower project is Christofer Mowry. Mowry stated that the practical and affordable nature of the smalled reactor makes growing in to nuclear power a reality. He also stated that the benefits of zero emissions and clean power still apply to the smaller reactors.
The new reactor from B&W would utilize the ALWR design. The ALWR is a passive safe system utilizing Advanced 
Light Water Reactor technologies. The system would use a below ground containment system. B&W are not alone in the market of small reactors. Toshiba, GE, Westinghouse and NuScale have all announced plans for smaller reactors that carry a smaller price tag. B&W's design is scheduled to complete its application for design certification in 2011.
The new reactors will be manufactured at its U.S. site and use trains to transport the components to the sites where they will be installed. B&W has facilities in Ohio, Virginia and Indiana.
The life span of the reactor is 60 years and will require additional fuel every five years according to B&W. Current reactors are on a two year refueling cycle.
