Deployment of microreactors, SMRs still years away, panel says

While plans for new nuclear units have garnered a lot of interest lately, challenges including workforce and licensing still dictate when the projects can deploy, according to panelists in an Energy Communities Alliance webinar.

The ECA held a webinar “Open for Business – New Nuclear Opportunities” on Wednesday with panelists weighing in on the landscape of new nuclear projects.

Department of Energy principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy Michael Goff outlined the many proposed advanced nuclear projects in the coming years in his opening remarks.

“To quote Secretary [of Energy Chris] Wright, ‘America’s Nuclear Renaissance starts now,’” Goff said.

While many microreactors and small modular reactors have been proposed, nothing has been built, said Cat Clifford, a correspondent for Cipher, a climate news service. Cliffor questioned if “America’s Nuclear Renaissance” has started yet.

Nevertheless, Nuclear Energy Institute senior vice president of policy John Kotek, expects to see more widespread use of microreactors and SMRs once the challenges are bypassed. He added that with the increased demand for electricity will continue to drive interest in new nuclear power.

Kotek wants to see the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing process for microreactors to speed up. He said the existing process takes around five years and believes it could be cut down to less than a year.

Oak Ridge, Tenn. City Council member Chuck Hope said the interest in new nuclear energy in Tennessee takes a collaborative approach among federal and state governments and businesses.