As the dawn of 2024 brings a mix of optimism and setbacks for the future of nuclear power in the United States, the question arises: Where now for nuclear power? Despite facing significant challenges, including the recent cancellation of NuScale Power’s showcase small modular reactor (SMR) project in Idaho, the technology remains crucial to the nation’s energy future. This article delves into the current landscape, analyzes the implications of recent developments, and proposes necessary reforms to reinvigorate the nuclear industry.

The NuScale Setback:
The cancellation of NuScale’s Idaho project, which aimed to establish the nation’s first SMR power plant, sent shockwaves through the nuclear industry. While some experts view it as a major blow, others, like Adam Stein of the Breakthrough Institute, see it as a challenge that doesn’t have to be a roadblock. NuScale’s SMR design, approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and backed by substantial Department of Energy funding, faced delays, rising costs, and wavering utility support. This setback highlights the need to address the challenges facing advanced reactor technologies.

The Current State of U.S. Nuclear Power:
Despite NuScale’s setback, there are positive developments within the existing nuclear reactor fleet. Facilities like California’s Diablo Canyon, once slated for closure, are now expected to continue operations. The Department of Energy has expanded support for next-generation nuclear research, and at COP28, 22 countries pledged to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050. However, challenges persist in gaining approval for new reactor designs, navigating regulatory complexities, and addressing economic headwinds.

Renewable Limitations and the Reliability Crisis:
The article challenges the notion that renewables alone can meet the rising electricity demand, especially with the push towards electric vehicles and home heating. The intermittent nature of wind and solar power necessitates significant backup from dispatchable generation, often provided by natural gas. This reliance poses reliability risks, as demonstrated by Texas’s winter blackouts in 2021. The article argues that only nuclear power offers a dependable, zero-carbon solution capable of meeting growing electricity needs.

Factors Contributing to NuScale’s Setback:
The NuScale project faced multifaceted challenges, including stringent NRC safety requirements, byzantine licensing processes, and economic headwinds like rising interest rates and inflation. The NRC’s outdated approval processes, designed for twentieth-century technology, hinder the streamlined adoption of advanced reactor designs. Smaller reactors, touted as more manageable and cost-effective, face regulatory hurdles that negate their safety and economic advantages.

Global Opportunities and Challenges:
While NuScale’s setback dims prospects in the U.S., international opportunities abound. Countries like Poland and the United Arab Emirates are exploring SMR technology, and the EU’s inclusion of nuclear power in climate-friendly investments signifies a global shift in attitude. However, the article warns that the U.S. must find a way to start building new plants to compete on the international stage.

A Path Forward:
To revitalize the U.S. nuclear industry, the article proposes a multifaceted approach. It calls for streamlined NRC approval processes for new reactor designs, highlighting the need for regulatory reform. Additionally, the complex web of incentives, subsidies, and regulations governing the power grid requires an overhaul to prioritize reliable, 24/7 power sources. The article suggests that focusing on lowering barriers to construction, rather than relying solely on subsidies, is crucial for industry growth.

As the U.S. stands at a nuclear crossroads, the challenges faced by NuScale’s canceled project serve as a call to action. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing regulatory, economic, and policy hurdles to unleash the potential of advanced nuclear technologies. With strategic reforms, the U.S. can lead the world in nuclear innovation, ensuring a resilient, cost-effective, and carbon-free energy future.