PRIME
PRIME: A Smarter Approach to Nuclear Cost Estimation
A next-generation methodology developed to enhance cost accuracy and schedule certainty for nuclear reactor projects.
The Challenge
Nuclear energy projects—especially first-of-a-kind (FOAK) designs—have historically suffered from persistent cost overruns and delays. These issues hinder investor confidence and impede widespread deployment of advanced reactors.
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PRIME addresses this challenge by embedding risk analysis directly into cost and schedule estimation—improving accuracy, transparency, and financial reliability.
What is PRIME?
Developed by Pittsburgh Technical LLC in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory, the PRIME methodology is a stochastic, risk-informed framework for cost estimation in nuclear energy and complex infrastructure projects.
PRIME integrates:
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A bottom-up cost model for all major EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) activities
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A stochastic duration model for key project milestones
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A standardized nuclear EPC risk register derived from historical project data
This integrated modeling approach uses Monte Carlo simulation to provide realistic, probabilistic estimates of total cost and duration.
Key Advantages
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Risk-Informed Planning
Mitigate risks before they materialize by strategically scheduling high-risk tasks and long-lead components.
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Enhanced Schedule Certainty
Prioritize critical-path activities using real-world uncertainty data to reduce realized—not just planned—timelines.
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Quantified Cost Reduction
Demonstrated reductions of up to 25% in total project cost when PRIME is applied with active risk mitigation.
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Superior Decision Support
Data-driven insights support stakeholder alignment and more confident financial planning.
Risk-informed early placement of key components—such as the reactor vessel—led to substantial reductions in critical path duration and cost volatility.
Cross-Sector Applications
While developed for nuclear cost estimation, PRIME is adaptable to other high-risk, capital-intensive sectors:
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Advanced manufacturing
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Large-scale infrastructure
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Energy systems engineering
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Defense and aerospace projects
Where complexity, risk, and capital investment intersect—PRIME delivers clarity.
Strategic Benefits
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Improved investor confidence through transparent cost modeling
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Reduced exposure to delays and overruns
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More effective contingency planning than traditional percentage-based approaches
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Alignment with national lab standards and regulatory best practices
Drive Predictable Project Outcomes
PRIME enables developers, utilities, and government agencies to confidently plan and execute next-generation energy infrastructure.
Pittsburgh Technical
Pittsburgh Technical LLC is a nuclear engineering consulting firm specializing in risk-informed planning, technical analysis, and cost estimation for nuclear and complex engineering projects. PRIME represents our commitment to reducing financial uncertainty and enabling the successful deployment of advanced energy technologies.