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 advanced nuclear reactors, which can produce zero-emission energy at a significantly higher rate than other energy sources while requiring less land.
The next generation of nuclear power can decarbonize our energy sector, while also decarbonizing other parts of the economy. By collaborating with current nuclear power plants that already provide carbon-free electricity and benefits like water desalination or hydrogen production, advanced nuclear is being developed to provide an array of carbon-free 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 entire 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
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 recent 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.
Safe
Next-generation reactors are designed with safety as a top priority. Small modular reactors (SMRs) have built-in systems that improve even further upon the strong safety performance of current reactors. Many advanced reactors can be built below ground, providing physical security and even less vulnerability to extreme weather events. Advanced nuclear reactors also consume fuel more efficiently, producing less byproduct in smaller volumes and forms that make disposal easier. Some designs can also run on recycled fuel.
In Demand
An NEI survey of its 19 utility members found utilities are planning to deploy nearly 330 new SMRs over the next 25 years. The Department of Energy (DOE) also found this increase in demand. As part of the DOE’s new 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 approximately 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 that hold great promise.
- 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 few examples.
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Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a category of nuclear reactor that includes many different designs and technologies, but they have one thing in common: each reactor module generates 300 megawatts electric (MWe) or less and can connect to other modules. Unlike conventional reactors which are built on site, SMRs can be built in factories and shipped intact or in pieces. Factory construction allows high quality at lower cost and reduces deployment time. SMRs can also be used to replace retired coal power plants, preserving local jobs, improving air quality, and conserving land. -
Micro-Reactors
Micro-reactors, with their electricity production capacity ranging from 1 to 10 MWe, offer a viable solution for areas without access to an electric grid that are currently dependent on carbon-emitting sources. Micro-reactor output can serve district energy needs and supply both electricity and steam. Micro-reactors can provide carbon-free dedicated energy for locations like military bases, data centers, and hospitals. Additionally, some models are highly portable, enabling them to be transported by truck, cargo plane, or helicopter and can 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 also use other cooling sources like molten salt, liquid metal, or high temperature gas. Here are a few examples:
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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)
Liquid metal reactors 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.
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