- Initial NuScale plant could be operational in Idaho by 2026
- SMRs essential in continuum of nuclear technology innovation
- Public-private partnerships crucial to accelerate new technologies
In an historic milestone toward the deployment of the next generation of advanced nuclear technology, Oregon-based NuScale Power LLC today delivered to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission a design certification application (DCA) for its small modular reactor (SMR) commercial power plant design.
NuScale subsequently announced the filing at a downtown Washington, D.C., press conference at which five members of Congress, the U.S. Department of Energy’s undersecretary for science and energy, and NEI President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Korsnick all exuded excitement over the design’s potential to make the world better.
“This is a dream come true for me as an early proponent of SMRs,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) in remarks reflective of those made by the speakers.
“The world’s demand for electricity and clean water will increase significantly over the next several decades. Our technology can meet that challenge with clean and reliable power, improving the environment and the quality of life for humankind,” NuScale Chairman and CEO John Hopkins said.
The 12,000-page application is the first ever to be submitted to the NRC for a small reactor. It moves NuScale a step closer to commercialization and construction of the nation’s first SMR plant. NuScale plans to build its first commercial power plant at DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The plant will be owned by the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems’ (UAMPS) Carbon Free Power Project and operated by Washington state-based utility Energy Northwest. It is expected to begin commercial operations by 2026.
“Today we celebrate a historic moment of innovation in the electric sector. On behalf of the entire nuclear energy industry I want to congratulate the NuScale team for its pioneering work,” Korsnick said. “NuScale is a first mover in an exciting new technological frontier. We want more such innovation to follow.”
The NuScale SMR consists of integrated pressurized water reactor modules, designed on the light water reactor technology that has safely operated worldwide for the past 70 years. Each module’s generating capacity is 50 megawatts-electric, and up to 12 modules can be “ganged” in a single power plant installation of 600 MW.
SMRs have several advantages over their larger cousins. A power plant’s capacity can be increased in stages depending on electricity demand. Shorter construction timeframes—about 36 months for each module—can make it easier for a smaller utility to raise capital and allow quicker returns on investment while the rest of the plant is under construction. In addition, each module can be built at an off-site factory and shipped to the plant site via truck, train or barge.
The NuScale design, as conceived by the company’s co-founder and chief technology officer, Jose Reyes, also has unique safety characteristics. Under abnormal conditions, the reactor can shut itself down and cool itself for indefinite periods without the need for human intervention, water addition or external electricity supplies, the company says.
Korsnick described NuScale’s signal achievement as a “historic moment” in a continuum of developments and innovation in nuclear technology, all of which are necessary to ensure that nuclear power plants remain a vital part of the country’s essential energy infrastructure.
“The journey starts with preservation of America’s existing nuclear power plants, including second license renewal to allow today’s plants to operate beyond 60 years. It proceeds through construction of more large light water reactors, like the four being built in Georgia and South Carolina,” she said. “It further includes deployment of small modular light water reactors in the mid-2020s. And finally, development, demonstration and deployment of advanced nonlight-water reactors.”
NuScale has been working on its SMR design for more than 10 years, with initial development and testing at Oregon State University. In 2011, the global engineering, procurement and construction firm Fluor Corp. became the majority investor in NuScale. A list of the company’s other major partners and investors is available on its website.
“I’m very proud that Oregon has brought the United States one step closer to a clean energy future,” said U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.).
The Department of Energy continues to play a crucial role in supporting the development of SMR designs. In 2013, DOE’s public-private partnership program awarded NuScale with a five-year investment of $217 million in matching funds to help the company with the engineering and testing needed to proceed through the NRC’s design certification process. NuScale was the sole winner of the competitively bid second round of funding. NuScale has invested more than $300 million of its own funding to develop the SMR design and the DCA to this point.
DOE Under Secretary Lynn Orr said NuScale’s filing is “a big step along the way toward a future we very much want to support.” A diversified portfolio of clean power sources must include nuclear energy, he said.
“Today we are also celebrating the true success of public-private partnerships in innovation. These decisions clearly show a long-term vision in investment in our critical infrastructure and clean air technology,” Korsnick said. “We want to celebrate more days like today.”
The DCA is a complex document, supported by 18 technical reports and 15 topical reports. The NRC is expected to complete its certification process within 40 months. Once issued, a design certification is valid for 15 years in support of a combined license application (COLA) to construct and operate a power plant.
In 2015, DOE awarded NuScale and UAMPS with a $16.7 million grant as part of a three-year cooperative agreement to conduct site characterization activities at INL and prepare documentation leading to a COLA for a first plant at INL.
NuScale also has launched the Western Initiative for Nuclear, a broad collaboration of six states to study the demonstration and deployment of a series of NuScale SMR power plants in the Western United States.