Ever since Fukushima, nuclear power has not been a warmly received concept when it comes to energy solutions. But still, small modular reactors have remained one iteration of nuclear power that people are optimistic about due to their relative safety and manageability. That’s why the US Department of Energy has entered into partnerships with the top SMR makers to help nurture the tiny wonders.
According to Ars Technica, the governement is going to offer up land at the Savannah River Nuclear Lab to work on research and build test sites for development. In addition to their size and relative stability, SMRs are popular because reactors are never opened on site, and are sent back to a central facility for refuelling, which eases concerns about security. Sure they may not generate Gigawatts, but Megawatts aren’t so bad either. [Ars Technica]