Today on the Clean Power Hour we are joined by David Kraft, Founder and Director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS), as we explore the promises and perils of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) and the nuclear industry.
Nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source once the power plants are constructed and commissioned. But the siting, permitting, and overall costs of nuclear power are such that nuclear is not going to play a major role in the energy transition. Yet, if you follow the US DOE (Dept of Energy), there is a flood of news and information suggesting that small modular nuclear reactors - so-called ‘next gen nuclear’ - are absolutely going to be part of the mix of the future grid. What are SMNRs (also called SMRs)? How long does it take to site, permit and build them? And what is the cost of nuclear power compared to wind and solar? These are some of the questions we answer today on the Clean Power Hour.
Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS) is a non-profit organization that advocates for sustainable, ecologically sound, and socially just energy solutions. NEIS views nuclear power to have more side effects than benefits. Their founder and Director, David Kraft joins us today to share his thoughts and rationale of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMNRs).
David Kraft is an accomplished public speaker and writer on nuclear topics. He has been called upon to testify in hearings related to nuclear power at the state and federal levels. He was responsible for creating the “Know Nukes!” series of videos on nuclear topics in cooperation with CAN-TV Chicago; and is a co-founder of the Radiation Monitoring Project, designed to provide training and field monitors to communities contaminated by radioactive substances.
David Kraft offers his perspectives on why Small Modular Reactors might not be the panacea some envision. He delves into the crucial discussions surrounding the safety concerns, waste management, and regulatory considerations associated with SMRs. We also explore the history of the nuclear industry in the US and in Illinois where 40% of grid power comes from nuclear power. The US and other navies around the world have been using 100 to 300 MW nuclear reactors to power large ships and sub-marines for decades. But the construction of small nuclear reactors is not common on land.
Tune in to this episode of Clean Power Hour Podcast, as Tim Montague and David Kraft navigate the promises and perils of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors. Don't forget to subscribe to the Clean Power Hour to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes, featuring insightful discussions, expert interviews, and innovative solutions in the world of clean energy.
Key Takeaways
1. What is NEIS (Nuclear Energy Information Service) and what do they do?
2. What are small modular nuclear reactors?
3. Challenging the hype: why small modular reactors might fall short
4. Unveiling the perils and potential of nuclear energy
https://neis.org/
http://www.linkedin.com/company/nuclear-energy-information-svc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-kraft-0b904828
#CleanPowerHour #SMR #SMNR #NuclearEnergy #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy
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