Small nuclear may be the wave of the future

Small and modular nuclear reactors (SMR) generally have a capacity of 300 megawatts or less, compared to the 1,000 to 1,700 MW capacity of large power reactors. As a result, they can serve remote locations and small power grids and meet the needs of smaller utilities, providing carbon-free power on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The National Law Journal 2010-10, Vol.33 (8), p.11
Main Authors: Sullivan, Mary Anne, Stenger, Daniel F, Roma, Amy C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Design
Licenses
Licensing
Nuclear energy
Nuclear power plants
Nuclear reactors
R&D
Research & development
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Small and modular nuclear reactors (SMR) generally have a capacity of 300 megawatts or less, compared to the 1,000 to 1,700 MW capacity of large power reactors. As a result, they can serve remote locations and small power grids and meet the needs of smaller utilities, providing carbon-free power on a 24/7 basis. Some SMRs will be factory-built and delivered in sealed containers ready to operate. Some are intended for underground operation. Some will never need to be refueled, but rather can be removed by truck and replaced like a battery. The biggest challenge to getting SMRs to market in the U.S. is almost certainly the NRC licensing process. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has taken the initiative in accelerating the development of a risk-informed licensing framework for SMRs. The Department of Energy is seeking to promote SMRs, and it understands that economic viability is essential. Therefore, it is seeking to structure a multipronged assistance program that will help get new SMR designs into the power generation mix through a phased process.
ISSN:2163-8756