NuScale VOYGR SMR

Main article: Nuclear power plants in the United States

2023

Cancellation of the design of the first small modular nuclear reactor after a 53% increase in costs

The first US small modular nuclear reactor project has been canceled after a 53% cost increase. The NuScale project involved the use of six small reactors.

The decision is a blow to supporters of "advanced nuclear power."

US Use Approval

On January 20, 2023, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the use of the country's first small modular reactor (MMR). This is a relatively small nuclear plant that can be manufactured in a factory and then transported and deployed to any prepared site.

The module was developed by NuScale Power. The decision to certify this project is entered in the US Federal Register. This means that companies wishing to build and operate a nuclear power plant can opt for a 50 MW small modular nuclear reactor and apply to the NRC for a license. The rule comes into force on February 21, 2023: it provides an opportunity to create new clean energy sources that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the country.

NuScale VOYGR SMR

The NuScale VOYGR SMR power plant can combine up to 12 prefabricated power modules, which are approximately a third of the size of a conventional reactor. Each power module uses natural processes such as convection and gravity to passively cool without additional water, electricity, or even operator action.

This is the seventh nuclear reactor design approved for use in the United States. The rest are for traditional large sites. Since 2014, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated more than $600 million to support the design, licensing and deployment of NuScale VOYGR SMR power plants and other similar concepts. The first small modular reactor is expected to be operational by 2029. NuScale Power is looking to boost capacity so that each module can generate up to 77 MW of power. NuScale Power has 19 signed and existing domestic and international agreements on the deployment of installations in 12 different countries, including Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic and Jordan.^[1]

Notes