The global demand for electricity will continue to increase, putting environmental and energy resources at risk without clear insight into how to balance that need for energy with generating clean and reliable power. Nuclear energy has been recently recognized as one of the most reliable forms of clean electricity. And modular reactors are the exciting new territory in the world of nuclear energy.
The next wave of nuclear technology looks to be taking shape. Energy company NuScale Power recently submitted the first ever design certification application for a small modular reactor for commercial power plant design. This is groundbreaking because the reactor is expected to supply affordable, clean, reliable power in a ready-to-scale model that can incrementally increase facility output as demand increases.
The first commercial 12-module NuScale power plant is planned to be built at the Idaho National Laboratory, owned by the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, and run by experienced nuclear operator, Energy Northwest. The U.S. Department of Energy has described such small modular reactors as a representation of a new generation of safe, reliable, low-carbon nuclear energy technology. They provide a strong opportunity for America to take the lead in this globally emerging field.
Here’s how we see this new design affecting the energy industry at large.
More Jobs in Nuclear Energy
New technology is a great driver of job creation. The nuclear industry has been struggling with aging infrastructure and decommissioned facilities for a number of years. But as the field pivots in favor of a more flexible and modern design, demand for professionals who are able to build, maintain and operate the new reactors will help the industry bounce back quickly. And as global demand for electricity increases, the demand within that field will as well.
Clean and Reliable Power
These small modular reactors offer the advantage of scalability, lower cost and overall flexibility in terms of power generation, but they also are important because they provide a clean and reliable power source. They are a perfect fit for smaller electrical markets, isolated areas and sites with limited water or acreage. They are also more conveniently paired with other energy sources, including renewables and traditional fossil fuel energy sources, to produce higher efficiency and increase grid stability and security. In short, they are a very viable option for developing countries and provide an exciting option for countries looking to reduce pollution while increasing their power production.
But the U.S. can see significant benefits from their adoption as well because they provide an interesting opportunity for the country to generate energy resources without adding to the growing problem of greenhouse gas pollution. Nuclear energy has one of the lowest rates of greenhouse gas emissions, comparable with levels created from the development and operation of hydroelectric and wind power facilities. Compared to coal and natural gas, the use of nuclear power substantially reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the environment.
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