DOE to Study Expansion of Nuclear Infrastructure in the US

Building off the last story about COSCO, just in case you don't think this US administration is interested in using nuclear power as a carbon based alternative, I suggest you reconsider your theories. There is bipartisan support in the US for expanding the use of nuclear power, and the nuclear power energy business in the US. This is the latest such example, one that scales directly to the previous conversation. From the New York Times.

Poneman also said he is interested in the possibilities for development of smaller modular nuclear reactors, calling this a potentially important carbon policy option in the United States and abroad. "I certainly agree with the premise that small, modular reactors are a very interesting path to explore," Poneman said in an interview this week.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is preparing legislation requiring DOE to develop and demonstrate two designs for small modular nuclear plants of less than 350 megawatts capacity, in partnership with private industry. Such smaller reactor models may be needed if costs of full-sized reactors continue to escalate, Bingaman said.

Poneman said the flexibility that smaller modular reactors offer could increase nuclear development opportunities in the United States. "And in the international arena, there are some countries that may not have a grid that would stably support a big, 1,000-megawatt plant, but they might be able to take a smaller, 350-megawatt plant," he said.

Remember, it is still the law in the United States that every new class of Navy warship must be designed with nuclear power. While the theme today is common hull, and there is an exemption clause built in to the law; the law cannot be ignored or dismissed.