Prodigy & LR Partner on Transportable Nuclear Plants with Canada’s Backing
At CERAWeek, Prodigy Clean Energy and Lloyd’s Register (LR) announced a strategic collaboration aimed at finalizing the development of lifecycle requirements for Prodigy’s Transportable Nuclear Power Plants (TNPPs). This initiative is geared toward accelerating TNPP deployment in Canada by 2030. The project has received partial funding from the Government of Canada, which has awarded Prodigy (CAD) $2,750,000 under the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Enabling SMRs program. Through this funding, Prodigy and LR will develop models for TNPP marine fabrication, transport logistics, and centralized decommissioning processes.
This collaboration is expected to provide a robust framework demonstrating how TNPPs can be manufactured, deployed, operated, and decommissioned within a country’s existing regulatory framework. The partners aim to establish industry best practices while ensuring compliance with both domestic and international nuclear safety standards.
“In a world where demand for nuclear energy is surging, Prodigy’s transportable nuclear facilities serve as a key innovation to advance SMR deployment at scale,” said Mathias Trojer, President and CEO of Prodigy Clean Energy. “Over the past two years, we have made significant progress in defining our lifecycle requirements, and LR’s expertise will be instrumental in refining these processes.”
Advancing Modular and Transportable Nuclear Power
TNPPs are designed to enhance the modularity and economic feasibility of nuclear power plants. They offer multiple advantages, including accelerated project schedules, minimized environmental impacts, and increased financial viability for deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in coastal and remote regions. By clearly defining industrial requirements and demonstrating regulatory compliance, LR and Prodigy are paving the way for TNPP commercialization.
According to Mark Tipping, LR’s Global Offshore Power To X Director, “This project with Prodigy is one of the first to establish comprehensive guidelines for transportable and floating nuclear power plants. By developing models based on real-world use cases with input from key stakeholders, we are setting a global precedent. These models will aid sovereign regulators and international marine fabricators in aligning themselves with the emerging maritime nuclear energy sector.”
Tailored TNPP Solutions for Multiple Applications
Prodigy is developing two facility types: the Prodigy Microreactor Power Station TNPP™ and the SMR Marine Power Station TNPP™. Both designs accommodate various reactor sizes and types, offering a flexible approach to clean energy generation. Unlike traditional barge-based nuclear reactors, Prodigy’s TNPPs are specialized marine-fabricated structures purpose-built to house operational nuclear reactors. Their self-contained design significantly reduces the need for extensive land-based infrastructure, further enhancing project feasibility.
By leveraging marine fabrication techniques, Prodigy can manufacture TNPPs in controlled environments, ensuring high construction quality while reducing costs and project timelines. These transportable plants can be delivered to deployment sites fully assembled, allowing for expedited commissioning. Their modularity also makes them adaptable for a wide range of energy-intensive industries, including data centers, heavy manufacturing, clean fuel production, hydrogen generation, and grid decarbonization.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Safety
As a globally recognized professional services firm, LR is playing a critical role in integrating best practices from the maritime, nuclear, and offshore sectors to create a practical TNPP lifecycle approach. This initiative will ensure that TNPPs meet stringent regulatory requirements set forth by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The ultimate objective is to secure licensing and achieve TNPP deployment within Canada within the next five to seven years. Prodigy and LR are actively engaging with regulatory bodies to streamline the approval process and develop a framework that could serve as a benchmark for future TNPP deployments worldwide.
First TNPP Deployment in the Critical Minerals Sector
Prodigy is currently in discussions with a multinational mining company to deploy the first TNPP to support a remote critical minerals cluster in Canada. Phase II feasibility studies are in progress, focusing on site selection, environmental assessments, prototype testing, and community engagement, particularly with Indigenous groups.
By replacing diesel-based power generation, TNPPs will supply cost-effective, reliable, and carbon-free electricity and heat for up to 60 years. This will significantly enhance upstream and midstream critical mineral extraction and processing operations, while simultaneously fostering economic and infrastructure development in isolated regions. Given Canada’s substantial critical mineral reserves, many of which are located in remote off-grid locations, TNPPs could serve as a crucial tool for enhancing clean energy security and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Prodigy is currently developing a TNPP integrating the Westinghouse eVinci microreactor to specifically address the energy demands of the critical minerals sector. By delivering firm, emission-free power, this project represents a significant step toward achieving Canada’s decarbonization and energy resilience goals.
Global Implications and Future Prospects
The collaboration between Prodigy and LR represents a transformative milestone in the nuclear energy sector. As TNPPs gain traction, they have the potential to revolutionize how nuclear energy is deployed globally, offering a scalable solution for nations seeking to enhance their energy security while reducing carbon emissions.
As governments and industries worldwide strive to meet ambitious climate targets, modular and transportable nuclear power solutions like TNPPs could play a pivotal role in enabling the transition to sustainable energy. The ongoing work between Prodigy and LR will not only benefit Canada but also serve as a model for other countries looking to integrate nuclear energy into their power grids in a cost-effective and regulatory-compliant manner.
By aligning innovative engineering with robust regulatory frameworks, Prodigy and LR are setting the stage for the future of transportable nuclear power. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between the nuclear and maritime industries in driving forward next-generation clean energy solutions.
