Advanced Nuclear


FROM MEDICAL ISOTOPES TO CLEAN POWER, NUCLEAR ADVANCES LOOK PROMISING




Get to Know Nuclear


Innovative nuclear technologies that are currently under development have the potential to support a low-carbon energy future and help meet an international demand for medical isotopes. These systems are being designed to help reduce greenhouse gases, enhance energy security and provide grid-stabilizing power.

In the future, advanced nuclear reactors are expected to become available in a range of sizes. From microreactors that produce a few megawatts (MW) to operations of more than 1,000 MW that can easily power large cities. This design flexibility will help utilities more easily tailor electricity generation to meet energy demand and support intermittent needs from renewable energy.

 

Get to Know Nuclear


Design approaches focus on incorporating simplified construction with the goal of reducing construction and operating costs. Scientists are also investigating a variety of coolants including water, molten salt, high-temperature gas and liquid metal.

Some systems will include additional innovative design features, such as the ability to produce drinking water, hydrogen and/or heat to help decarbonize the industrial and transportation sectors. Nuclear medicine imaging depends on unique materials, many of which have short shelf lives and are produced outside of the country.

WHY NUCLEAR?

Baseload Generation

Nuclear power plants are designed to continuously produce power- leading to reliable energy production.

Small Footprint

Nuclear power produces more energy on less land than other clean energy sources.

Domestic

U.S. nuclear resources can be harnessed for domestic power production.

Clean

Nuclear power is a zero emissions energy source.

Nuclear Programs


San Rafael Energy Research Center

The San Rafael Energy Research Center, located in Emery County, Utah, is focused on advancing molten salt technology, pursuing medical isotope production and developing thorium-powered nuclear energy. A long-term goal is to establish a 30-megawatt thorium reactor at the center. The project has received development support from universities, the Utah State Legislature and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) / Nuscale Project


Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) is a political subdivision of the State of Utah that provides wholesale electric energy, transmission and other energy services, on a nonprofit basis, to community-owned power systems throughout the Intermountain West.

The UAMPS Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP) is in the first phase of investigating the feasibility of a small modular reactor project using NuScale small modular nuclear reactor technology. The CFPP is expected to consist of up to twelve small modular reactors that will be located at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls.

IN THE CLASSROOM

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