INL picked for possible small reactor project
The U.S. Department of Energy announced an agreement Thursday to support possible siting of an innovative small modular reactor project at the Idaho National Laboratory site.
A site use permit was granted to Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems to support the project.
“Small modular reactors are an important new step toward safe, reliable, carbon-free technology. Today’s announcement is a part of the Department of Energy’s ongoing commitment to strengthening nuclear energy’s role in America’s low carbon future,” said Lynn Orr, Under Secretary for Science and Energy at DOE.
The agreement allows the group to analyze environmental, safety, and siting conditions. It is currently working to identify potential, suitable locations for a carbon free power project.
The project is a commercial venture. The successful deployment of a small modular reactor design would provide U.S. utilities with a greater range of nuclear energy options. The reactors feature compact, scalable designs that are expected to offer a host of safety, construction, and economic benefits. It could potentially supply low-carbon baseload energy to small electric grids and locations that cannot support large reactors.
Department of Energy officials said the agreement advances President Obama’s plan to advance America’s leadership in clean energy innovation. If successful, the reactors could supply low-carbon baseload energy to small electric grids and locations that cannot support larger reactors.
“The approval of the site use agreement represents a very big opportunity for Idaho to maintain its position of leadership as relates to advancing nuclear energy. The ability to consider the Idaho National Laboratory site as a potential location for the UAMPS Carbon Free Power Project will certainly benefit our own community. But, importantly, it will also positively impact the state, region, nation, environment and even international markets,” states Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper.
“The electrical industry is changing – that change is driven in part by regulations and technology,” states Idaho Falls General Manager, Jackie Flowers. “We are excited to be investigating the addition of a new carbon-free baseload resource to our power portfolio. The opportunity to participate on a project that is leading the evolution of the nuclear energy industry is exciting. And the opportunity to evaluate siting potential at the country’s lead nuclear laboratory is thrilling.”
