Advancing the Commercialization of Small Modular Reactors Michael Kurth American Nuclear Society & Washington Internship for Students of Engineering

Benefits of Nuclear Power Environmental Benefits Greenhouse Gas Emissions Comparable life cycle emissions to renewables Base-load Power Capability to provide constant power Energy Diversity All of the Above Energy Strategy to Mitigate Fluctuations in Energy Pricing Nonproliferation Strong Domestic Nuclear Program Positively Affects Nonproliferation Issues Abroad

4 Domestic Light Water SMRs Integral Pressurized Water Reactor (iPWR) 3 Designs Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) One Design B&W NuScale Westinghouse Holtec nerationmpow er.com/ wer.com/overviewofnu scalestechnology.aspx m/safety.html om/SMR/Westinghouse_SMR_Broc hure.pdf

Economic Advantages of SMRs over traditional nuclear power Reduced Capital Costs Larger Nuclear Power Plants can cost as much as 90% of the average annual revenues of a investor owned utility More Utilities can use Nuclear Reduced Construction Times Leads to Faster Return on Investment Modular Allows Generation Capability to be Added Incrementally as Demand Increases

Advantages of SMRs over traditional nuclear power Safety NuScale’s Indefinite Cooling Scheme

Advantages of SMRs over traditional nuclear power Underground Containment

Advantages of SMRs over traditional nuclear power Transportability

Possible Areas of SMR Application MarketsProsCons Replacing Older Coal PlantsSize and EmissionsNear Population Centers Remote LocationsHigher Energy Prices, Lack of Large Grid Too Small and Security Concerns Government FacilitiesLong Term Power Purchase Agreements, Goals on Emission Reductions Appropriations Foreign ExportsLarge Growing Demand, Developing Countries, Nonproliferation Lack of Infrastructure, Competition

Roadblocks to SMR Deployment Economic Issues Economy of ScaleEconomy of Mass Production

Roadblocks to SMR Deployment Licensing Issues Security Staffing Operator Staffing Emergency Planning Zones

Roadblocks to SMR Deployment Export Process

Program in Place to Assist in SMR deployment DOE Funding Program 2012 Initiated a 5 year 452 Million Dollar Program Focused on design certification and licensing, but not construction B&W Received first award for $150 million Expected Deployment in Initiated a Second Round of SMR Funding Extended Timeline to 2025 Received applications from other three vendors Focuses on innovation and design certification

Additional Assistance and Policies Needed to Promote Successful Commercialization Domestic Policies Increase DOE Funding to Initial Announcement Levels $150 million awarded to B&W increased to $226 million Extend Timeline for Advanced Energy Credits for Manufacturers Timeline is currently too short to properly allow for SMR manufacturing facility to take advantage of program Government Facilities Act as a ‘First Mover’ Power Purchase Agreements Allow Utilities to substantially reduce risk

Additional Assistance and Policies Needed to Promote Successful Commercialization Export Policies Allow 123 Agreements to be made case by case There are factions calling for all 123 Agreements to require identical terms regarding reprocessing and enrichment capabilities DOE modifications of Part 810 Continue discussions with industry to ensure specific and appropriate scope of Part 810 Create a Transparent Export Process DOE does not have a modern system to follow the progress of export applications

Conclusion Nuclear Energy has environmental, energy diversity, and nonproliferation positive effects SMRs have added benefits over traditional nuclear power, which include added safety, reduced capital costs, and modularity There are several marketplaces that have potential for SMRs but also have issues that must be overcome Due to the nature of the economy of SMRs measures must be put in place to help assist with the initial lack of cost competitiveness The Licensing Issues are in many cases onetime costs and the DOE should continue its support of resolution The Export process should be streamlined and modernized to ensure timely deployment of SMR exports in the face of international competition.

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