Does smaller nuclear power mean a better future?

The Libraries hosts a panel talk on small nuclear reactor technology on April 21

When you think of a nuclear power plant, you likely visualize a vast compound of hulking reactor towers. But both engineers and environmental policy makers are thinking smaller when it comes to these low-carbon power alternatives. Advanced Small Modular Reactors (ASMRs) may be the answer to pressing questions about alternative energies, grid stability, and energy cost.

ASMRs have emerged as a key part of the federal government’s strategy to combat climate change and strengthen energy security. These innovative nuclear reactors, far smaller than a traditional power plant, are capable of generating up to 300 megawatts of electricity—enough to power approximately 230,000 homes a year. 

Join us for a panel talk about ASMRs on Thursday, April 21 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Hunt Library’s Duke Energy Hall, featuring guests from NC State’s Colleges of Engineering and Natural Resources, Duke Energy, and the Idaho National Lab. The group will discuss the role that ASMRs look set to play as we think about our future cleaner energy needs. 

The event is free and open to the public; please pre-register to attend.

NC State, with its recognized research and development profile, is positioned to support the development of ASMRs. Currently the university is involved with two specific projects with the companies TerraPower and X-Energy. The high-density power source of an ASMR provides reliable base load electricity within a small footprint comparable to that of coal and natural gas plants. But new reactor technologies mean that ASMRs are cheaper and faster to build, emit no CO2 emissions, and produce higher fuel efficiency—and they’re made in the United States.

The current Gen IV designs also compliment other green power infrastructure like solar and wind. Some of the advanced ASMRs offer 6-hour energy storage, serving like a rechargeable battery within the power grid. Their power output can even be adjusted to react to electricity demand in real time. Taken together, these features help technology utilities increase grid stability.