NUCLEAR

Advanced Power Alliance members are working to advance next-generation nuclear technologies—especially Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—that are designed for safety, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. SMRs typically produce less than 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity—compared to 1,000–1,600 MW from conventional nuclear plants—and can be factory-built, shipped to site, and installed more quickly than traditional large reactors. This modular approach shortens construction timelines, lowers upfront capital costs, and enables deployment in locations where large plants are not practical, including remote communities and retiring coal plant sites.

With advanced safety features—such as passive cooling systems that operate without external power—SMRs deliver exceptional reliability and resilience. Their smaller footprint and siting flexibility make them an ideal partner for renewable generation, providing clean, “always-on” capacity that keeps the lights on when wind and solar output dips.

The technology is moving quickly. In January 2023, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission certified NuScale Power’s SMR design, clearing the way for projects like the Carbon Free Power Project at Idaho National Laboratory—a six-module, 462 MW facility scheduled for commercial operation by 2030.

Through smart policy and regulatory support, SMRs can join renewables, natural gas, and other resources in a balanced energy portfolio—one that ensures affordable electricity for consumers, reliable service for the grid, and lower emissions for the environment. By embracing this diverse mix, America can modernize its power system, strengthen economic competitiveness, and meet the challenges of a growing, electrified economy.