NUCLEAR SMRs
Geopolitical events magnify energy security issues
reactors , which are often custom designed for a particular location , sometimes leading to construction delays .
As well as offering savings in cost and construction time , they can be deployed incrementally to match increasing energy demand .
“ SMRs are better adapted to small grids than large reactors , with large electricity injections from the latter posing balancing issues ,” states Capgemini in its World Energy Observatory report .
“ This would enable SMRs to replace coal plants – particularly those in the developing world – provided that the nuclear nonproliferation issues are solved , and that spent fuel and wastes are managed in a sound way .”
Kyle J . Loudermilk , GSE ' s President and CEO , said geopolitical events continue to magnify the importance of energy security and specifically highlights nuclear as an essential part of the solution .
Combining that with the drive towards a zero-carbon grid , the need to focus on nuclear power as a significant part of the solution has never been more acute .
“ While we are a few years away from the first SMR plants coming online , training simulators and advanced design , engineering , training and broader staff augmentation resources will be required well ahead of plant construction and eventual commissioning ,” he says .
“ We have already partnered with companies working on these newer technologies . In addition , the grid is relying more than ever on existing nuclear facilities to produce stable and clean power for customers , and the reliance on the carbon-free baseload from the nuclear fleet will only increase as more wind and solar comes online and more fossil plants are decommissioned ,” he says .
Major utilities are actively restructuring their power generation to focus on nuclear in anticipation of achieving a zero-carbon grid , he adds .
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