I left the recent International SMR and Advanced Reactor Summit feeling optimistic about the future of nuclear power.
More than 200 people attended the conference. We heard from utility companies, regulators and contractors, including several from the Canadian nuclear industry.
Many of the speakers were bullish on nuclear. They shared promising information and signs that the nuclear industry could soon find its footing. I wanted to share some of highlights from what I heard.
Speakers shared that we are facing 2700 MW of power that is due to come offline in the western U.S. Coal plants are being retired. We need suitable replacements that reduce our dependence on fossil fuel.
Nuclear – particularly SMR design – is getting attention because several states are beginning to recognize its benefits:
- Nuclear is carbon-free.
- Its use would eliminate the health impacts of pollution.
- SMRs have a small footprint, reducing the area needed to support them.
- Building new SMRs to fill the power void can also retain local jobs and local tax payments.
- Advanced reactor systems are capable of much more than base-load electricity production, including load balancing and acting as a heat source for process industries.
Safety concerns about nuclear seem to be diminishing. The industry is pursuing reduced emergency response and evacuation zones because the safety of designs has improved so much. One utility CEO suggested that the industry needs to place more focus on containing costs, because adequate safety is now presumed.
Nuclear project owners also reported valuable lessons they have learned and can apply to future projects. These include a need to ensure very strong work management, procurement and design processes.
A number of developments from the government and regulatory perspective are pointing toward a better future for nuclear as well. Several bills supporting nuclear power are working their way through Congress.
And according to a representative from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Office of New Reactors, much work is being done to streamline the project review process without compromising quality.
There is no doubt the nuclear power industry has hurdles to overcome. But it’s a space to watch as we continue to look for better ways to satisfy our needs for energy production.
