REGIONAL ISSUES

Notable Topics

Small Modular Reactors


Currently, all large commercial power reactors in the United States and most in the rest of the world are based on “light water” designs — that is, they use uranium fuel and ordinary water for cooling. By contrast, an emerging class of small reactors come in widely varying designs and use a variety of fuels and cooling systems, some can even utilize existing legacy radioactive waste as a fuel source. They range from downsized light-water reactors to more exotic liquid metal-cooled fast reactors, with the smallest designs beginning at a 10 MW capacity.

SRS is an ideal place to develop and demonstrate this new technology and offers the following benefits to the SRSCRO Region and the nation:

  • Job creation
  • Private sector Economic Development
  • Export of U.S. goods and service
  • Benefits to national security and energy policy
  • Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

Additional Resources


Artist renderings of the small modular reactor design:

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