Small modular nuclear reactors can become the main source of energy

News » Science & Technology

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMR, eng. – SMR), unlike renewable energy sources, can become the main source of energy, Forbes observers say. After all, MMPs are designed for stable operation and are quite “flexible”; a carbon-free resource.

The US government is encouraging the introduction of small modular reactors, making them more attractive to lenders and utilities. And growth potential – is huge because national governments and international institutions are already carefully preparing for the deployment of SMRs.

“A nuclear power plant costs more at first, but it is an 80-year-old asset. If you compare it with wind or solar, then the latter usually have a 20-year service life, – said Jeff Merrifield, Pillsbury Winthrop partner Shaw Pittman and former nuclear regulator.

SMRs of different technologies will range from 50 to 300 MW. But the modules can be combined and thus form nuclear installations with a total capacity of up to 1000 MW as one “classic” power unit-thousander. The advantage is that any module, when it fails, can be taken out for repair separately from the rest, which will continue to work.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) claims: in order to achieve global climate goals by 2050, the use of nuclear energy needs to be doubled.

Follow us on Telegram