We need to continually improve nuclear energy. For example, many believe that smaller reactors could better meet our electricity needs than very large nuclear plants. Fortunately, such small modular reactors are on the horizon. Ranging in size from 50 megawatts to 300 megawatts, these reactors would be built from standardized designs for much less cost than, say, a 1,200-megawatt nuclear plant. These smaller units could be shipped by barge, truck or railroad to energy sites around the country. The first of the small modular reactors – known as SMRs – will be located underground at the Idaho National Laboratory. These modules are being developed by NuScale, a small Oregon-based nuclear startup company, which is sharing the cost with the U.S. Department of Energy. Each SMR module will generate 50 megawatts of electricity. Additional modules could be added as the need for more electricity occurs. In time, up to 12 modules would be grouped in a cluster to generate 600 megawatts.
Aiken Standard 9th May 2016 read more »