Saskatchewan is about to make energy history. The province will soon host North America’s first commercial microreactor—a revolutionary nuclear power source that runs for nearly a decade without refueling and never needs water.
This technological marvel could transform how we power remote communities and industrial sites across the continent.
The eVinci microreactor, developed by Westinghouse, packs substantial power into a surprisingly compact package.
Each unit generates 5 megawatts of electricity—enough to power approximately 4,500 homes—or over 13 megawatts of high-temperature heat, making it ideal for both residential and industrial applications.
But what truly sets the eVinci apart is its simplicity. Unlike conventional nuclear plants that require complex cooling systems and constant maintenance, this “nuclear battery” operates autonomously for eight years before needing replacement. No water required.
A Made-in-Saskatchewan Energy Solution
The $80 million CAD project represents a significant milestone in Canada’s energy landscape. Spearheaded by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in partnership with Westinghouse, the initiative has received strong backing from the provincial government.
Premier Scott Moe has positioned the project as a tailored solution for Saskatchewan’s unique energy challenges. “Microreactors provide a custom solution for Saskatchewan’s unique energy needs,” Moe stated, emphasizing the technology’s potential to help shape a greener, more sustainable future for the province.
The microreactor is scheduled to be operational by 2029, marking a bold step in Saskatchewan’s energy diversification strategy.
Think Nuclear Power Can’t Be Clean? Think Again.
The conventional wisdom about nuclear energy needs updating. While traditional nuclear plants have proven their value as carbon-free baseload power sources, they’ve been hampered by high costs, lengthy construction times, and public concerns about safety and waste.
The eVinci microreactor challenges these assumptions by reinventing nuclear power from the ground up.
Unlike massive conventional reactors that can take a decade to build and cost billions, the eVinci is factory-built, transportable, and rapidly deployable.
Its innovative design eliminates many of the complexities and potential failure points of traditional nuclear plants.
Most surprisingly, the eVinci operates without water—the cooling substance at the heart of every major nuclear accident from Three Mile Island to Fukushima.
Instead, it uses revolutionary “heat pipe technology” that passively transfers heat away from the reactor core, dramatically simplifying operations and enhancing safety.
Each unit is expected to prevent up to 55,000 tons of carbon emissions annually compared to fossil fuel alternatives—equivalent to taking about 12,000 cars off the road.
Small Package, Big Impact
Despite its modest footprint—the entire supporting infrastructure fits inside a standard hockey rink—the eVinci delivers impressive energy versatility. It can generate electricity, supply industrial-grade heat, or operate in combined heat-and-power mode depending on local needs.
For remote communities currently dependent on diesel generators, this represents a game-changing opportunity to secure reliable, clean energy without massive infrastructure investments.
“What we learn through this project will prepare [the council] to assist communities and industries in future projects,” explained SRC CEO Mike Crabtree, highlighting the broader implications of this pioneering installation.
Westinghouse President and CEO Patrick Fragman emphasized the technology’s perfect fit for Saskatchewan’s needs: “The eVinci battery technology is the perfect fit for Saskatchewan since it is fully transportable. It also provides carbon-free electricity and heat, uses no water, and can be completely removed from site after operating continuously for eight years or more.”
How It Works: Nuclear Simplicity
The eVinci’s design philosophy focuses on simplicity and passive safety—a stark contrast to the complex systems of traditional nuclear plants.
At its core, the microreactor houses specially designed fuel that can withstand extremely high temperatures without melting. This eliminates the need for the high-pressure cooling systems that have caused complications in conventional reactors.
The innovative heat pipe technology transfers heat from the reactor core without pumps, moving parts, or water. This passive cooling approach means the system can’t suffer from coolant loss—a critical failure mode in traditional designs.
For utilities and industrial operators, the eVinci offers a plug-and-play energy solution. The reactor arrives ready to connect to existing electrical systems or industrial processes, requiring minimal site preparation compared to conventional power plants.
When the unit reaches the end of its operational life after approximately eight years, Westinghouse retrieves the entire module for proper handling of the used fuel, either returning it to their facilities or placing it in secure long-term storage.
Beyond Saskatchewan: The Microreactor Revolution
The Saskatchewan installation represents just the beginning of what could become a significant shift in North America’s energy landscape.
The U.S. Department of Energy has confirmed that multiple microreactor designs are currently under development. These compact nuclear systems are attracting interest from remote communities, military installations, industrial sites, and even data centers seeking reliable, carbon-free power.
Unlike large-scale nuclear plants that serve fixed geographic areas, these smaller units can be transported to locations where traditional infrastructure is impractical or prohibitively expensive.
The transportability factor opens possibilities for temporary power deployments to disaster zones or construction sites, creating a flexibility previously unimaginable with nuclear technology.
Nuclear Experience Meets Innovation
The Saskatchewan Research Council brings valuable nuclear experience to the project, having safely operated a SLOWPOKE-2 nuclear research reactor for 38 years before decommissioning it in 2021.
With nearly 350 employees and $232 million in annual revenue, SRC has established itself as Canada’s second-largest research and technology organization, serving approximately 1,600 clients across 22 countries.
This institutional knowledge provides critical operational expertise for Canada’s first microreactor deployment, ensuring appropriate safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
Westinghouse, for its part, brings over 60 years of nuclear innovation to the table. The company has pioneered heat pipe technology through the development of the first 12-foot nuclear-grade heat pipe—a critical component of the eVinci’s water-free operation.
Addressing Nuclear’s Traditional Challenges
Despite nuclear power’s advantages as a carbon-free energy source, traditional plants have faced challenges around waste management and public perception.
Conventional nuclear facilities in the United States generate approximately 2,205 tons of nuclear waste annually—less than half the volume of an Olympic swimming pool, but still requiring careful long-term management.
Westinghouse’s approach with the eVinci addresses these concerns directly. The company assumes responsibility for the used fuel, either returning it to their facilities or storing it securely underground for long-term safekeeping.
The microreactor’s simplified design also substantially reduces the potential for operational incidents.
The passive safety systems don’t require operator intervention or backup power sources to maintain safe conditions—lessons applied from experiences at Fukushima and other nuclear sites.
A Bridge to the Clean Energy Future
As renewable energy sources like wind and solar continue their impressive growth, technologies like the eVinci microreactor could serve as valuable complementary power sources, providing the reliable baseload generation needed when the sun isn’t shining or wind isn’t blowing.
For industrial processes requiring consistent high-temperature heat—like chemical manufacturing, mining operations, or hydrogen production—these compact nuclear systems offer carbon-free alternatives to natural gas or coal.
This versatility positions microreactors as potential transitional technologies in the broader clean energy landscape, helping to reduce emissions while renewable infrastructure continues to develop.
With its compact design, water-independent cooling system, and versatility for both electricity and heat production, the eVinci microreactor exemplifies how innovative nuclear technology can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Saskatchewan and beyond.
References
- Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). (2025). eVinci Microreactor Project. SRC Official Press Release.
- Westinghouse Electric Company. (2025). eVinci Microreactor Technical Specifications.
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (2012). Power Plant Capacity and Household Energy Supply.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2024). Commercial Nuclear Power Plants in the United States.
- Government of Canada. (2024). Nuclear Power Stations in Canada.
- U.S. Department of Energy. (2024). Microreactor Development Programs.
- Westinghouse. (2025). Heat Pipe Technology Development.
