What are some potential benefits of small modular nuclear reactors?

Small modular reactors offer a lower initial capital investment, greater scalability, and siting flexibility for locations unable to accommodate more traditional larger reactors. They also have the potential for enhanced safety and security compared to earlier designs.

How much does a small modular reactor cost?

SMR developers expect modular designs and construction processes will generate economies of series and open up multiple supply opportunities. NuScale has estimated its first plant will cost just under $3 billion to build, giving an overnight capital cost of $5,078/kWe.

Who makes small modular reactors?

NuScale
NuScale is leading the world into the future of energy and making history with our groundbreaking small modular reactor (SMR)—the first ever to receive U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission design approval.

Are small modular reactors safe?

Absolutely nothing! Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are setting a new standard for safety in the industry. Its unique design allows the reactor to passively cool itself without any need for additional water, power or even operator action.

What is the smallest nuclear reactor?

EGP-6
The EGP-6 is a Russian small nuclear reactor design. It is a scaled down version of the RBMK design. As the RBMK, the EGP-6 use water for cooling and graphite as a neutron moderator. It is the world’s smallest commercial nuclear reactor.

What are small modular reactors used for?

These advanced reactors, envisioned to vary in size from tens of megawatts up to hundreds of megawatts, can be used for power generation, process heat, desalination, or other industrial uses. SMR designs may employ light water as a coolant or other non-light water coolants such as a gas, liquid metal, or molten salt.

Is nuclear cheaper than solar?

When it comes to the cost of energy from new power plants, onshore wind and solar are now the cheapest sources—costing less than gas, geothermal, coal, or nuclear. Utility-scale solar arrays are now the least costly option to build and operate.

Are small modular reactors cheaper?

The pros and cons of small modular reactors Although the exact level of cost reduction is subject to speculation, one 2017 study suggested a factory-produced pressurized water SMR might be between 15 percent and 40 percent cheaper than a traditional plant scaled to provide the same electrical output.

Are there any small modular reactors?

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved the design of a new kind of reactor, known as a small modular reactor (SMR). The design, from the Portland, Ore. But utility companies can now apply to the NRC to build and operate NuScale’s design. …

What is the smallest nuclear reactor we can build?

How big are small modular reactors?

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are defined as nuclear reactors generally 300 MWe equivalent or less, designed with modular technology using module factory fabrication, pursuing economies of series production and short construction times.

How many nuclear reactors are there in the United States?

According to data by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United States has 99 nuclear reactors in operation, and 61 of them are being operated commercially.

Is nuclear reactor safe?

Nuclear reactors are actually incredibly safe. There are a great many things that must be considered and respected – I do know people who have been injured in their operation, but these were actually in things that would be common to all steam-based power plants.

What is a micro nuclear reactor?

The Micro Modular Reactor (MMR™) system is a 4th Generation nuclear energy system that delivers safe, clean, and cost-effective electricity and heat to remote mines, industry, and communities. Courtesy: USNC

What is modular nuclear power plant?

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a type of nuclear fission reactor which are smaller than conventional reactors, and manufactured at a plant and brought to a site to be assembled. Modular reactors allow for less on-site construction, increased containment efficiency, and heightened nuclear materials security.