BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) has shipped TRISO nuclear fuel for the Project Pele microreactor, marking a notable step in mobile nuclear power development. The fuel will be tested at Idaho National Laboratory as part of a collaboration with the U.S. Army and the Department of War’s Strategic Capabilities Office, while BWXT also expands its role on an international reactor build in Bulgaria. This article breaks down what TRISO fuel is, what Project Pele aims to prove, BWXT’s broader capabilities, and the timeline and scope for upcoming tests and construction work.
BWXT delivered TRISO fuel intended for a transportable microreactor under Project Pele, a program focused on creating a 1.5-megawatt Generation IV high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. The design emphasizes mobility and resilience, built to fit in four standard shipping containers so it can be moved and deployed where needed. That compact footprint is part of the appeal: a self-contained power source that can be transported by common logistics methods and set up in austere locations.
TRISO stands for TRIstructural-ISOtropic, and the term refers to fuel particles engineered for durability under extreme conditions. Each particle contains a uranium oxycarbide kernel that’s wrapped in multiple ceramic coatings, culminating in a silicon carbide layer that resists heat and radiation. Those internal layers act like tiny, rugged containment vessels for fission products, giving TRISO a safety profile that supports higher operating temperatures and passive containment strategies.
The plan is to test the prototype at Idaho National Laboratory, where BWXT’s shipped fuel will be integrated into the Pele system for experiments. Management has indicated formal testing could start by 2027, with the trials designed to validate performance, thermal behavior, and safety under various operating scenarios. These tests will be crucial for proving the concept and demonstrating that a mobile microreactor can operate reliably in nontraditional environments.
Project Pele’s partners extend beyond BWXT to include the U.S. Army and the Department of War’s Strategic Capabilities Office, reflecting a national security interest in deployable power. A transportable microreactor could support forward operations, disaster response, and other missions where stable, long-duration electricity matters. The compact, high-temperature gas-cooled reactor approach aims to combine robust safety margins with operational flexibility, which is a different path than more traditional pressurized water reactors.
Separately, BWXT has announced an expanded scope of services to act as Owner’s Engineer for the New Build at Bulgaria’s Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, working alongside Laurentis Energy Partners and Canadian Nuclear Partners S.A. That engagement points to a long-term, roughly 10-year involvement in constructing AP1000 units, with the first reactor targeted to begin producing electricity around 2035. Serving as Owner’s Engineer puts BWXT deep into project oversight, quality control, and technical assurance on a major international build.
BWXT’s business already spans a wide range of nuclear components and services, including commercial steam generators, fuel handling systems, pressure vessels, reactor components, and storage solutions for fuel and waste. The company operates in the United States, Canada, and other international markets, supporting both commercial and government nuclear programs. Those capabilities position BWXT to contribute across the lifecycle of reactors, from component manufacturing to on-site engineering and testing support.
The arrival of TRISO fuel for Project Pele and the company’s role in the Kozloduy New Build underline BWXT’s mix of advanced technology work and large-scale project involvement. Testing at Idaho National Laboratory will be a clear milestone to watch as it will help determine whether mobile microreactors can meet performance and safety expectations in real-world conditions. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian project ties BWXT to long-term construction and operational timelines that will shape its international footprint for years to come.
