Small modular reactors (SMRs) are the cool kid in the nuclear block. But, despite the hype, there are none commercially available in the US and a measly three in the world. Rep Carter is right. If we want to start building nuclear today, we need to build existing designs.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t invest in small and micro reactors. But to put all our hopes on these technologies is a mistake. At this point it’s impossible to know which companies will be successful and we can’t wait to start building nuclear in ten years.

I don’t think Rep Carter or most other Reps have any idea which types of nuclear power plants should be deployed, why, or where. Maybe we should focus on enabling policies for as many types of tech as possible and let performance and companies determine winners?

There will be a niche for them, but build out of traditional nuclear comes first. The non-water ones will find a place where water availability in an emergency could be a problem.

Build big, beautiful reactors! There are already 2 that are half done at VC Summer and we are dithering instead of finishing them! We need that project completed!

China builds the AP 1000 in 6 years. If a decision to build an SMR was made today it would take at least that long to come online. Build proven big reactors now!

4 years now!

That is the right strategy if we want to doom nuclear to barely 20% of national electricity production and 0% of industrial process heat.

NuScale has had an approved NRC cerified SMR design for over 4 years

And… where’s the reactor?

Don’t build A2W, it’s antique.