Research by scientists at the University of Chicago recently made the case that small modular reactors are well positioned to advance nuclear power development in the U.S.The SMR study (pdf file below) is the second of two commissioned by the Department of Energy through Argonne National Laboratory. The first study updated research from 2004 on the “overnight” build cost of new gigawatt-scale reactors. It concluded nuclear construction today, estimated at $4,210 per kilowatt, is more than double the cost of a similar estimate seven years ago because of elevated commodity prices and other factors. The researchers said earlier this month that a key barrier to utilities considering nuclear is the seven-to-nine year period between the start of a multi-billion-dollar nuclear plant project and the first revenues it brings in.The second study concludes that SMRs, with shorter build timelines and factory construction efficiencies, could help fix that problem."Clearly, a robust commercial SMR industry is highly advantageous to many sectors in the United States," concluded the study, led Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago Director Robert Rosner and Professor William Wrather. "It would be a huge stimulus for high-valued job growth, restore U.S. leadership in nuclear reactor technology and, most importantly, strengthen U.S. leadership in a post-Fukushima world on matters of nuclear safety, nuclear security, nonproliferation and nuclear waste management."
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