#NuScale Power

[jurnaldeoltenia]

Nicolae Ciucă : România este pe drumul cel bun în a deveni prima țară care va avea cea mai nouă, sigură și curată tehnologie nucleară - SMR

Premierul Nicolae Ciucă a avut, astăzi, o întrevedere cu reprezentanții companiei americane Fluor Corporation, listată la bursa din New York, cu o cifră de afaceri de aproximativ 15 miliarde USD pe an. Compania este cel mai mare finanțator și acționar al tehnologiei reactoarelor modulare de mici dimensiuni, NuScale – singura tehnologie din aceasta clasă de centrale nucleare certificate de un…

[empresa-journal]

Are Small Modular Reactors unprofitable?

Small modular nuclear reactors could be unprofitable. NuScale halted construction on a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) after a partner pulled out. NuScale (NYSE: SMR) and the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) terminated an agreement to build an SMR in Idaho, on 8 November 2023, a press release announces. The termination ends the Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP) which was building a 77…

[carlocarrasco]

Nuclear Philippines effort moves forward some more

The potential future of the Philippines adapting nuclear power that will generate clean and abundant energy for the needs of the people and businesses moved a few more steps forward thanks to two key meetings involving the group of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., and notable energy firms, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is the latest in the Marcos…

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one thing i have not thoroughly expanded upon about nuclear policy is supply chain fragility.

the united states did not have enough fissile material to drop a third bomb on japan. enriching more uranium required the construction of refineries at an industrial scale, and producing plutonium required the contruction of reactors in a practically unprecedented infrastructure project (atoms for peace). sl1 was completely unclassified, nuclear car batteries and airplanes were promised and nuclear mutant gardens produced over 2200 novel cultivars. atoms for peace was a coordinated tranche of propaganda designed to convince the public that a limitless energy utopia was just around the corner if we only built out the reactors to produce the plutonium that would make the arsenal. after it was produced, all of these great visions of the future quietly withered away, and would have revealed themselves as lies all along if anybody had been paying attention.

the nuclear deterrent is expiring. we are currently engaged in subcritical testing in nevada to identify what portion of the arsenal could theoretically still function. in order to make any new warheads at scale, we would need to rebuild a number of reactors comparable to the number that has been decommissioned since the cold war.

we no longer have the manufacturing capability to undertake an infrastructure project of this scale. we can't even cobble together the funding to greenlight a single power plant. gates' nuscale just lost intermountain west, we can't even cobble together funding for six small modular research reactors. given no action, the bombs will become duds, and we will not be able to produce any more.

i would give it maybe 40 years at most, realistically more like 20 (an insufficient amount of time for an infrastructure project of this scale), before the united states loses its capability to defend itself, a "right" it never had.

which is why we're doing "atoms for peace 2" now.

it's still a lie.

the people who are going to have to ultimately end this -- in one way or another, disarmament, abandonment, or detonation -- are alive today. it's us. nobody else is coming to save us.

[christinamac1]

Why NuScale Power Stock Dropped Today

Motley Fool, By Rich Smith – Sep 26, 2024 NuScale’s potential growth just got smaller by exactly one country. Shares of NuScale Power (SMR 5.55%) slipped 3.2% through 11 a.m. ET Thursday on some disconcerting news out of Great Britain. According to World Nuclear News (WNN), the British government just narrowed the list of companies competing to begin building small modular nuclear reactors…

[noticiassincensura]

The US is preparing a transportable nuclear reactor for military operations. It will be the country’s first 4th generation reactor

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has a plan. It intends to build a fourth-generation transportable nuclear reactor that can be used in its military campaigns. The ‘Project Pele’ is already underway and aims to design, build, and test a prototype within no more than five years. However, as expected, the DoD has help to bring it to fruition. In fact, the construction of the reactor is already underway at the Idaho National Laboratory.

The final assembly will begin in February 2026, likely when all the components for this machine will be completed. The development of the reactor is being handled by BWXT Advanced Technologies, a U.S. company specializing in nuclear energy. Although the reactor’s construction is already in progress, as mentioned, the final assembly will start in February 2026. In all likelihood, that will be the date when all the components involved in this machine are finished. An important note: other fourth-generation nuclear reactors are being developed in the U.S., such as the NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR), but the first to go operational is likely to be the one from ‘Project Pele’.

One of the requirements imposed by the DoD is that this reactor must be easily transportable. In fact, it wouldn’t make sense if it wasn’t, given that its purpose is to be used in military operations. Interestingly, when it’s ready, the prototype will be transported inside four containers to the Idaho National Laboratory, where it will be tested. From that point on, it will remain operational in a testing phase for at least three years to ensure it works correctly and safely.

Fourth-generation reactors shape the immediate future of nuclear energy

The physicists and engineers involved in the development of fourth-generation fission nuclear reactors are working to propose new designs that can be conceptually very different from previous generations. However, the requirements these new nuclear plants must meet are clearly defined. The first is to achieve maximum sustainability, so the fuel is used to its full potential to produce energy, minimizing the amount of radioactive waste generated and ensuring its management is as efficient as possible.

Artificial intelligence has arrived at nuclear power plants, and it’s going to change them forever

Safety and reliability must be high enough to minimize the probability of reactor core damage.

The second requirement concerns the economic investment needed to launch and maintain the nuclear power plant, which should be as low as possible so that it is comparable to the costs of other energy sources, thus reducing the financial risk. The third and final requirement is that safety and reliability must be high enough to minimize the likelihood of damage to the reactor core. Moreover, if an accident occurs, no emergency measures should be needed outside the nuclear plant’s premises.

As we’ve just seen, the demands introduced by Generation IV nuclear plants are ambitious because they aim to eliminate many of the shortcomings that have plagued previous designs. In this scenario, China is a step ahead. In fact, in January of this year, the first fourth-generation reactor in the world entered commercial operation.

It is a small modular reactor of strictly Chinese origin known as HTR-PM (High-Temperature Reactor-Pebble bed Modules). This device is characterized by using helium as a coolant and graphite as a moderator and is installed at the Shidao Bay-1 nuclear plant located in Shandong Province, China.

[financial-fox]

WHY MICROSOFT WENT NUCLEAR! NVIDIA, DELL, PALANTIR, NUSCALE POWER, ORACLE!!

[tushar38]

Microreactors Market: Innovations Transforming Chemical Processing

 Introduction to Microreactors market

The microreactors market is gaining significant traction due to their efficiency in handling chemical reactions on a microscale, leading to faster reaction times, improved yields, and better safety. These compact systems enable continuous flow chemistry, enhancing scalability and cost-efficiency. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and energy are increasingly adopting microreactors to streamline production. The global demand is fueled by the need for sustainable manufacturing processes and advancements in microfluidics and nanotechnology. However, market growth faces challenges like high R&D costs and technological integration barriers.

The Microreactors Market is Valued USD 0.34 billion in 2024  and projected to reach USD 1.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 19.00% During the Forecast period of 2024-2032. These compact, highly efficient reactors enable faster, safer, and more controllable chemical reactions compared to conventional reactors. Growing demand across industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and fine chemicals, coupled with rising interest in sustainable and continuous manufacturing, drives the expansion of the market. Continuous flow systems, portability, and enhanced scalability make microreactors an attractive solution in high-tech sectors.

Access Full Report :https://www.marketdigits.com/checkout/3455?lic=s

Major Classifications are as follows:

By Types

Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs)

Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs)

High-Temperature Gas[1]Cooled Reactors (HTGRs)

Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs)

Fast Neutron Reactors (FNRs)

Other

By Fuel Types

Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU)

High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU)

Thorium

Other

By Application

Remote Power Generation

Industrial Process Heat

Space Exploration

District Heating

Others

By End Users

Government and Military

Utilities and Energy Companies

Industrial and Manufacturing

Space Agencies

Key Region/Countries are Classified as Follows:

◘ North America (United States, Canada,) ◘ Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina,) ◘ Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia) ◘ Europe (UK,Germany,France,Italy,Spain,Russia,) ◘ The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South

Key Players of Microreactors market

Elysium Industries, X-energy, TerraPower, HolosGen, Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), Nuscale Power, INL - Idaho National Laboratory, Moltex Energy, Westinghouse Electric Company, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Starfire Energy, Seaborg Technologies, ThorCon Power, LeadCold, Kairos Power and Others.

Market Drivers in the Microreactors Market:

Efficiency in Chemical Processes: Microreactors offer superior control over reaction conditions, enhancing yield and minimizing waste.

Sustainability: The reduction in energy and resource usage makes them ideal for companies focused on green chemistry.

Pharmaceutical Growth: Increased demand for precision in pharmaceutical synthesis drives the need for advanced microreactor systems.

Market Challenges in the Microreactors Market:

High Initial Costs: The development and integration of microreactor systems can be costly for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Limited Awareness: Many industries are unfamiliar with the benefits of microreactor technology, limiting widespread adoption.

Regulatory Issues: Complex regulatory environments in different regions can slow down market penetration.

Market Opportunities of Microreactors Market:

Pharmaceutical Industry: The growing demand for personalized medicine and batch production presents significant opportunities.

Sustainable Manufacturing: Companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint can benefit from the efficiency of microreactors.

Renewable Energy: Microreactors offer potential in biofuel and renewable energy production, contributing to the global shift towards clean energy.

Conclusion:

The microreactors market is poised for significant growth as industries seek to optimize chemical processes through efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. While there are challenges related to cost, integration, and scalability, the opportunities offered by microreactors in enhancing precision and reducing environmental impact are vast. As technology continues to evolve, the microreactors market will play a crucial role in transforming industries like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and beyond, pushing them toward greener and more efficient production methods.

[researchinenergyandpower]

According to a research report, the Small Modular Reactor Market is estimated to be USD 5.8 billion in 2023 to USD 6.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period. The factors that drive the market growth include versatile nature of nuclear power and modularization of SMRs. SMRs offer the potential for improved economics. Their smaller scale and standardized designs can lead to cost savings in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance. The modular nature of SMRs enables phased deployment, reducing upfront capital costs and allowing for incremental capacity expansion based on demand.

[leprivatebanker]

Forget NuScale Power: 2 Nuclear Power Stocks to Buy Instead

[thoughtlessarse]

The nuclear industry has been offering so-called Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as an alternative to large reactors as a possible solution to climate change. SMRs are defined as nuclear reactors with a power output of less than 300 megawatts of electricity, compared to the typically 1000 to 1,500 megawatts power capacity of larger reactors. Proponents assert that SMRs would cost less to build and thus be more affordable. However, when evaluated on the basis of cost per unit of power capacity, SMRs will actually be more expensive than large reactors. This ‘diseconomy of scale’ was demonstrated by the now-terminated proposal to build six NuScale Power SMRs (77 megawatts each) in Idaho in the United States. The final cost estimate of the project per megawatt was around 250 percent more than the initial per megawatt cost for the 2,200 megawatts Vogtle nuclear power plant being built in Georgia, US. Previous small reactors built in various parts of America also shut down because they were uneconomical. The high cost of constructing SMRs on a per megawatt basis translates into high electricity production costs. According to the 2023 GenCost report from the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Energy Market Operator, the estimated cost of generating each megawatt-hour of electricity from an SMR is around AUD$400 to AUD$600. In comparison, the cost of each megawatt-hour of electricity from wind and solar photovoltaic plants is around AUD$100, even after accounting for the cost involved in balancing the variability of output from solar and wind plants. Building SMRs has also been subject to delays. Russia’s KLT-40 took 13 years from when construction started to when it started generating electricity, instead of the expected three years. Small reactors also raise all of the usual concerns associated with nuclear power, including the risk of severe accidents, the linkage to nuclear weapons proliferation, and the production of radioactive waste that has no demonstrated solution because of technical and social challenges. One 2022 study calculated that various radioactive waste streams from SMRs would be larger than the corresponding waste streams from existing light water reactors.

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So, they turn out to be more expensive and have all the risks of conventional nuclear power stations and then some.

The one risk not mentioned for SMRs is design faults. If one reactor has a fault, all the others of the same design will have that fault as well.

[fmarkets]

NuScale Power Corporation Faces Growing Deficit and Legal Challenges in Q4 2023 https://csimarket.com/stocks/news.php?code=SMR&date=2024-03-16084340&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[verschwoerer]

Die Illusionsmaschine

„Small Modular Reactors“ sind die Seifenblasen der Atomkraft: bunt schillernde Projektionsflächen, dahinter ziemlich viel Luft. Die ernstzunehmendste der Blasen ist jetzt geplatzt.

Sie waren weiter als alle anderen, hatten ausgearbeitete Pläne ihres Reaktors, technisch nicht innovativ, aber mit Zulassung der US-Atomaufsicht – zumindest für eine 50-Megawatt-Variante. Es gab Investor*innen, ein konkretes Projekt, und einen zahlungskräftigen Projektpartner: UAMPS, ein Zusammenschluss kommunaler Energieversorger im Nordwesten der USA. Sechs sogenannte „small modular reactors“ (SMR) mit jeweils 77 Megawatt wollten sie dort bauen. Sie sollten deutlich günstiger als ein großes AKW sein – das war das Versprechen des SMR-Entwicklers Nuscale. Schon Mitte 2025 sollte es losgehen.

Doch das „Carbon Free Power Project“ (CFPP) ist gescheitert, die Illusion geplatzt. Anfang 2023 hatte Nuscale die Kostenschätzung von ca. 5,3 auf 9,3 Milliarden US-Dollar nach oben korrigiert. Statt der versprochenen 58 hätte eine Megawattstunde Strom aus den Mini-Reaktoren nun 89 Dollar gekostet – trotz staatlicher Fördergelder und Steuervergünstigungen in Höhe von insgesamt etwa vier Milliarden Dollar.1 Zum Vergleich: Eine Megawattstunde Onshore-Windstrom kostete in den USA 2021 durchschnittlich 32 Dollar.2 Daraufhin ziehen Nuscale und UAMPS im November die Reißleine.

Pleiten, Pech und Pannen

Das Aus für das Vorzeigeprojekt ist kein Einzelfall. Viele SMR-Ideen werden seit Jahrzehnten erfolglos vorangetrieben. Die unübersichtliche Vielzahl weltweiter Projekte reicht von „Power-Point-Reaktoren“, von denen nur eine Skizze existiert, bis zu einzelnen Prototypen, von der versprochenen Serienfertigung allerdings meilenweit entfernt:

Die Akademik Lomonossow, Prototyp eines schwimmenden AKW, war mindestens vier Mal so teuer wie geplant: Aus veranschlagten sechs wurden mindestens 37 Milliarden Rubel. Das entspricht knapp 25.000 US-Dollar pro Kilowatt installierter Leistung – fast doppelt so viel wie bei einem modernen Großreaktor.3

Der HTR-PM-Demonstrationsreaktor, ein Kugelhaufenreaktor nach dem Vorbild des havarierten AVR Jülich, ging 2021 in China ans Netz, lief im Jahr 2022 aber lediglich 27 von möglichen 8.760 Betriebsstunden.4 Die Baukosten waren dreimal so hoch wie geplant (6.000 US-Dollar pro Kilowatt installierter Leistung)5. Pläne zur Errichtung von bis zu 18 weiteren Reaktoren desselben Typs am gleichen Standort hat China aufgegeben.6

Der CAREM-Reaktor in Argentinien ist seit 50 Jahren in Planung. Baubeginn war schließlich 2014 – fertig ist er bis heute nicht. 2021 lag die Kostenschätzung für das 25-Megawatt-Reaktörchen, das auf ein Sechzigstel der Leistung eines großen AKW kommt, bei 750 Millionen US-Dollar.7

Im Jahr 2021 begann China mit dem Bau eines 125-Megawatt-Druckwasserreaktors (APC 100 oder Linglong One). Die Baukosten pro Megawatt werden mindestens doppelt so hoch sein wie bei großen Reaktoren.8

Ebenfalls 2021 begann Russland mit dem Bau des bleigekühlten 300-Megawatt-Demonstrationsreaktors BREST, ein Schneller Brüter. Die Kostenschätzung hat sich bereits auf 1,3 Milliarden US-Dollar mehr als verdoppelt.9

Der in deutschen Medien häufig erwähnte Dual Fluid Reactor taucht im aktuellen World Nuclear Industry Status Report10 nur als Fußnote auf. Das Startup aus einem Berliner Hinterhof machte im September Schlagzeilen mit der Ankündigung, ihren Prototypen in Ruanda bauen zu wollen – ein Land mit Erfahrung in Atomtechnik konnte es für dieses Projekt offenbar nicht gewinnen.11

Auch bei Nuscale scheint es keine neuen Großaufträge zu geben. Im Gegenteil: Angedachte Projekte in anderen Ländern stehen nun ebenfalls auf der Kippe. Das Unternehmen ist dabei, ein Drittel der Belegschaft zu entlassen. Zudem hat es eine Sammelklage enttäuschter Aktionäre am Hals. Diese werfen Nuscale vor, ihr Geld mit irreführenden Angaben eingeworben und verbrannt zu haben.12

Angesichts der bisherigen Bilanz halten sich private Geldgeber*innen bei SMR-Projekten auffallend zurück. Großinvestor*innen wie Bill Gates, Mitgründer von Terrapower, sind die Ausnahme. Kaum ein Unternehmen hat Interesse daran, Geld in derart risikobehaftete und in vielerlei Hinsicht vage Projekte zu stecken.

SMR-Förderung durch die EU

Dem weltweiten Hype um SMR tut die Realität offenbar keinen Abbruch. Kaum ein Land, das weiter auf Atomkraft setzt, kündigt nicht auch ein SMR-Projekt an. Denn SMR, die es real noch nicht gibt, sind eine ideale Projektionsfläche, um den Glauben an Atomkraft als angeblich saubere, billige, harmlose und innovative Technologie am Leben zu halten: Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt.

Die Strategie scheint aufzugehen, jedenfalls in der EU: Energiekommissarin Kadri Simson kündigt Anfang November eine SMR-Industrieallianz an, die Marktanreize schaffen, Projekte finanzieren und Forschung und Entwicklung fördern soll.13 Das EU-Parlament schlägt in dieselbe Kerbe und fordert im Dezember eine umfassende Strategie für den Einsatz von SMR.14 Die EU soll dafür Geld zur Verfügung stellen: Auch deutsche Steuergelder könnten dann in die SMR-Entwicklung fließen.15

Phoenix aus der Asche?

Auch Geopolitik spielt eine Rolle. Sowohl Russland als auch die USA hoffen, zahlreiche SMR in die ganze Welt verkaufen und die Empfängerländer damit an sich binden zu können. Der US-Klimabeauftragte John Kerry verkündete 2021 bei der COP27 das „Project Phoenix“. Man wolle Kohlekraftwerke in (Ost‑)Europa und Asien durch SMR amerikanischer Bauart ersetzen. Projektvorschläge aus der Tschechischen Republik, der Slowakei und Polen sind bereits ausgewählt und erhalten Unterstützung bei Machbarkeitsstudien. Den Anfang machen soll jedoch Rumänien.16 In einem Videobriefing für Journalist*innen am 27. September 2023 schwärmt der stellvertretende US-Außenminister Geoffrey Pyatt für den dort geplanten ersten SMR, der 2029 ans Netz gehen soll: „Bisher hat noch niemand eines dieser Dinger in Betrieb genommen.“ Gut möglich allerdings, dass das noch eine ganze Weile so bleibt: Projektpartner des staatlichen rumänischen Energieversorgers ist ausgerechnet Nuscale. https://www.ausgestrahlt.de/blog/2024/02/09/die-illusionsmaschine/

[energynews247]

SMR Leader NuScale Cuts 154 Jobs as Nuclear Company Restructures

NuScale Power, among the best-known companies developing small modular reactor (SMR) technology, said it would cut 28% of its workforce as the company looks to save $50 million to $60 million annually. Rumors of job cuts surfaced last week with online news service HuffPost reporting employees were told of the restructuring plan at a meeting on Jan. 5. NuScale confirmed the layoffs in a Jan. 8…

[christinamac1]

US company eliminated from race to build Britain’s first mini-nuclear plant

NuScale Power will not proceed to the final round of the competition’s selection process Executives at NuScale Power were told onWednesday afternoon that they had been eliminated from the small modularreactor (SMR) design competition. The decision by officials at GreatBritish Nuclear (GBN), a government agency, leaves four companies battlingto secure support for their proposed technologies:…