Achieving our energy security and climate goals is contingent upon advanced nuclear energy, in conjunction with current nuclear. Learn about the features and advantages of next-generation nuclear energy technology.
Advanced Nuclear Energy Advantages
Clean
Decarbonizing economies and fulfilling climate targets can be accomplished through nuclear energy, which produces clean energy at a significantly higher rate than other energy sources while requiring less land.
The next generation of nuclear power can continue to decarbonize our energy sector, while also decarbonizing other parts of the economy. By collaborating with current nuclear power plants, advanced nuclear is being developed to provide an array of clean energy services from the start. Advanced nuclear can deliver not only carbon-free electricity but also the clean hydrogen and process heat required to decarbonize other sectors, such as transportation and manufacturing, accounting for 45 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Reliable
Advanced reactors are the optimal solution for powering a secure and reliable grid capable of meeting our increasing energy needs. Similar to existing nuclear plants, advanced nuclear reactors will operate around the clock, every day of the year, regardless of weather conditions. Certain small modular reactor designs are entirely self-sufficient with the capability to start operations without an external connection to the grid.
Nuclear power plants are engineered to withstand the most severe weather conditions and natural hazards. Advanced nuclear technology will enhance these capabilities to an entirely new level, ensuring resilient and highly reliable power delivered everywhere from remote communities to bustling cities to disaster relief areas—all while strengthening our national security.
Affordable
Many people are feeling the pinch of unpredictable energy bills. When energy costs spike because of bad weather or global events, it's harder for people to keep up.
Nuclear plants take years to build and require serious upfront investment, but predictability is where nuclear energy stands apart.
Once a plant is running, operating costs are stable. Nuclear plants only refuel every 18-24 months, and their fuel is bought far in advance.
Modeling by climate experts consistently demonstrates that the most reliable, affordable low-carbon energy system requires an increase in nuclear generation globally alongside increases in wind, solar and battery storage. A study by Vibrant Clean Energy (VCE), using one of the most detailed models available, found that pairing nuclear with wind and solar is the most cost-effective means to decarbonize electricity generation.
This lowest-cost scenario projects that nuclear energy could provide nearly 43 percent of all generation in 2050 with wind and solar producing almost 50 percent. A significant portion of this advanced nuclear capacity could repurpose hundreds of fossil fuel generation sites. A second scenario where solar and wind generate 77 percent of all generation in 2050 and the use of nuclear energy declines would result in over $400 billion in higher costs to consumers. “It’s very, very clear that when you add nuclear to the mix, the overall system cost is reduced,” said NEI President and CEO Maria Korsnick on the Grid Talk podcast.
While every source of energy has a role to play, nuclear is worth the investment because of the grid stability and long-term predictability it offers.
Safe
Nuclear energy remains one of the safest forms of energy production available globally. Advanced reactors build upon the current fleet’s safety record with further enhancements by incorporating innovative safety mechanisms and lessons learned from the operating reactors to further enhance their ability to prevent accidents, protect the environment, and reduce risks.
There are three fundamental approaches that are shared by all advanced reactors, but specifics for each design may differ: 1) use of natural forces like gravity and natural circulation that are not susceptible to mechanical failures like broken components, 2) designed to address experience from conventional reactors and eliminate potential accidents, and 3) provide safety long term without the need for additional off-site power, cooling, or human actions.
In Demand
An NEI survey of its 19 utility members found utilities are planning to deploy nearly 100 gigawatts of new nuclear power over the next 25 years. The Department of Energy (DOE) also found an increase in demand. As part of the DOE’s Pathways to Commercial Liftoff, the department found that U.S. domestic nuclear capacity has the potential to scale from approximately 100 gigawatts in 2023 to more than 300 gigawatts by 2050, driven by the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
Features of Advanced Reactors
“Advanced reactors” is a general term that encompasses many designs, models, and technologies, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are a few notable characteristics of different models.
- Enhanced safety and efficiency;
- Smaller sizes that are easier to transport and store safely;
- Factory construction, allowing for high quality at lower cost and cutting deployment time;
- Integration with intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar with load following and backup power;
- Scalable electricity generation for universities, hospitals, big cities, or small towns;
- Potential to replace retired coal plants, maintaining vital jobs and local economies;
- Delivery of modules by air, sea and land to remote locations, powering the last mile;
- Underground or underwater housings to endure natural disasters;
- Hydrogen and process heat production that can decarbonize a variety of industries; and,
- Improved fuel utilization.
Advanced Nuclear Designs & Technologies
Sizes
Advanced nuclear reactors are different sizes to suit different energy needs. Here are a couple of examples.
Large Reactors
Large reactors provide substantial energy output from a single facility and are well-suited for serving regions with high energy demand. Their scale allows them to support regional electricity needs, power large industrial facilities, and contribute to long-term economic growth. Modern large reactor projects incorporate standardized designs, modular construction techniques, and factory-fabricated components to support more efficient project delivery.Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a category of nuclear reactor that utilizes factories to fabricate large modules and components and then assembles them on site. Factory fabrication allows high quality at lower cost and reduces deployment time. Some SMR designs include multiple reactor modules in one plant to meet site specific energy requirements and respond to increasing energy demands. Because of their smaller size, SMRs can also be used to replace retired coal power plants, preserving local jobs, improving air quality, and conserving land.Micro-Reactors
Micro-reactors can be completely fabricated in a factory and transported to a site by truck, cargo plane, or helicopter. Because of this, micro-reactors offer a viable solution for areas without access to an existing electric grid or provide dedicated power for locations like military bases, data centers, and hospitals. Micro-reactor output can serve district energy needs and supply both electricity and steam. Many micro-reactors are designed to run for extended periods before being relocated for further use.
Technology
Most current reactors are light-water reactors (LWRs), which use water as the cooling medium under high pressures. Advanced nuclear reactor designs can use light water in addition to other cooling sources like molten salt, liquid metal, or high temperature gas. Here are a few examples:
Molten Salt Reactors
Molten salt reactor designs are cooled by different types of salts, which have inherent efficiency and safety features. They operate at low pressure and high temperature, and some have the potential to use recycled fuel.High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs)
HTGRs use gas for cooling and can efficiently produce high temperature steam heat as well as electricity. They operate at high pressure and high temperature.Liquid-Metal Reactors (LMRs)
LMRs are cooled by metals such as sodium or lead. They operate at low pressure and make the most of available fuels with higher efficiencies. Some have the potential to use recycled fuel.