US authorities certify the first modular nuclear reactor. In operation by 2029
Nuclear power generation is an integral part of the electricity grid landscape and is a key pillar for the decarbonisation of the energy sector in order to achieve zero greenhouse gases. The evolution of nuclear power generation from traditional giant light water reactors to small advanced modular light water nuclear reactors (SMRs) could become a reality by the end of the decade.
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently certified a design for NuScale Power's SMR. The certification allows utilities to use the design when applying for licenses to build a nuclear power plant. The rule will go into effect next month.
“The rule will go into effect February 21, 2023 and will equip the nation with a new source of clean energy that will help reduce emissions across the country,” the NRC said in a statement.
This is the first SMR design to be certified in the United States. The other six projects concern large traditional reactors.
“The design is an advanced light-water SMR with each power module capable of generating 50 megawatts of emission-free electricity,” the NRC continued.
President Biden has prioritized the advancement of nuclear technologies to power the grid of tomorrow. His administration also announced funding to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plants nationwide.
Recall that we stated that if President Biden is to achieve a carbon-free future, he can only do so through the expansion of nuclear power generation, not through unreliable solar and wind energy that fluctuates with time.
NuScale's small design, about one-third the size of a traditional reactor, allows it to be built almost anywhere. There's even a floating version of the reactor, built on a barge that can be towed to grids that need to rapidly expand energy capacity.
DOE and NuScale will build a demonstration plant with SMR in 2025 and the first power module will be operational by 2029.
It is now clear that the United States is willing to increase nuclear capacity by adding SMRs to the grid to achieve a carbon-free future. To do so, the United States will also have to abandon its dependence on nuclear fuel from Russia, indicating the need to increase national mineral supply chains and enrichment facilities.
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The article The US authorities certify the first modular nuclear reactor. In operation by 2029 it comes from Scenari Economici .
This is a machine translation of a post published on Scenari Economici at the URL https://scenarieconomici.it/le-autorita-usa-certificano-il-primo-reattore-nucleare-modulare-in-funzione-entro-il-2029/ on Wed, 25 Jan 2023 09:00:30 +0000.