How Progress on Advanced Reactors Promises a Clean Energy Future

https://www.nei.org/news/2019/advanced-reactors-promises-clean-energy-future



How Progress on Advanced Reactors Promises a Clean Energy Future
The future of the nuclear industry and clean energy is moving closer to becoming a reality, thanks to policymakers and industry innovators.
Congress Leading the Way for Next-Generation Nuclear

Last week, Reps. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) and Denver Riggleman (R-Va.) introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, which provides a pathway for advanced reactor development in the United States.
The House bill is identical to one that was introduced earlier this year by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). It directs the U.S. Department of Energy to establish goals for the next generation of nuclear reactors and to make available fuels with higher enrichments (also known as high-assay low-enriched uranium), which are required for many advanced reactor designs. It also authorizes demonstrations of advanced reactors with two or more to be completed by the end of 2025 and two to five additional demonstrations by the end of 2035.
These measures seek to speed the development of new technology as the industry pushes their innovations closer to deployment.
Centrist think tank Third Way mapped more than 70 companies, startups or institutions that are currently developing advanced reactor technology. Among these, five companies—TerraPower LLC, Terrestrial Energy, Kairos Power LLC, X-Energy and Oklo Inc.—are in pre-licensing activities with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Additionally, NuScale Power LLC’s small modular reactor design certification application is under review at NRC and is progressing on schedule.
Confidence in Advanced Reactors Confirmed

While Capitol Hill debates legislation supporting new reactors, international nuclear security experts have confirmed that advanced designs will provide a secure energy option in the fight against climate change.
Earlier this month, the Global Nexus Initiative—a joint project of NEI and the Partnership for Global Security—published a report stating that advanced reactors will be needed to help the world achieve massive carbon reduction by 2030 and that though the designs are new and complex, they can be safeguarded against proliferation.
"This report marks an important step forward for the development of advanced nuclear technology," said NEI President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Korsnick.

Read the Global Nexus Initiative Report


The next generation of nuclear reactors are critical for progress in lowering carbon emissions and ultimately helping reach our climate goals.
— Maria Korsnick, NEI President and CEO

"We encourage continued engagements between the reactor designers and the IAEA to ensure cost-effective safeguards, and the report will be a useful framework for this dialogue."
Advanced reactors represent the cutting-edge in nuclear technology. The work of developers, regulators and policymakers helps to make these exciting designs a reality and to ensure nuclear energy will be an essential part of our clean energy future.