Small modular reactors : a possible path forward for nuclear power
The U.S. has been a leader in nuclear power since its inception, but its position is slipping. National security concerns, climate change, nuclear non-proliferation, ensuring low-cost electricity, and leading in a critical export industry, justify a concerted effort to rebuild the strength of the nuclear industry. However, the challenges currently facing the nuclear power are potentially insurmountable unless the industry and government work together to forge a new path. Moving swiftly to develop Small Modular Reactors offers a viable approach. SMRs offer the operational flexibility that large reactors do not. By design, SMRs can be inherently safer than large reactors. Perhaps most importantly, SMRs offer serious cost advantages over the larger plants. The challenges facing SMRs are similar to those facing the nuclear industry as a whole. An active role for government is needed to help bring this new technology to market. The government has made a good first step in establishing a public-private partnership to make SMRs a reality, but more progress is needed
eBook, English, 2012
American Security Project, Washington, DC, 2012