Oddbean

Termination of Utah's Carbon Free Power Project Raises Questions about Nuclear Power's Future ( #9a1989bc , v0.02) https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/c526bd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2293x1290+0+120/resize/1440x810!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F74%2F9b%2F994b148ff8ff8ebbab5de349f5c5%2Feccb0af447bb46ddaa289b85d6384854 The Carbon Free Power Project, pursued by the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), aimed to deliver nuclear power as a base load energy source to Utah municipalities . However, the project has been officially terminated due to permitting delays, uncertain costs, and a lack of sufficient subscriptions . The project involved the deployment of small modular reactor technology developed by U.S. company NuScale, which had received design certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission . The termination of the project raises questions about the future of nuclear power in Utah and its viability as a base load energy source . UAMPS will now explore alternative base load power sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and natural gas plants . However, UAMPS CEO Mason Baker emphasized that nuclear power is not off the table for the long term, given the positive relationship with NuScale and the advancements made in the technology . This termination is seen as a setback for the advancement of nuclear power and the clean energy agenda in the United States . It highlights the challenges faced by small modular reactor projects, including permitting delays and uncertain costs . Despite this setback, NuScale remains ahead of competitors in developing smaller nuclear plants and plans to have plants operational by the mid-2030s . The termination of the Carbon Free Power Project in Utah is not the only recent development in the nuclear power industry. Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, built with Russian assistance, is expected to contribute to the country's growing economy and significantly reduce carbon emissions . In addition, there is a focus on thermal energy storage technology, with Homerun Resources Inc. collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to explore the use of particle-based thermal energy storage technology . The termination of the CFPP has received mixed reactions, with the Nuclear Energy Institute calling it disappointing but understandable, while the Environmental Working Group criticized the waste of taxpayer money . Other companies are also close to applying for certification for their small modular reactor designs . Overall, the future of nuclear power remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about its competitiveness, economics, and role in meeting climate goals . While some projects face setbacks and challenges, others continue to move forward, highlighting the potential for nuclear power to contribute to clean energy solutions . #nuclearpower #cleanenergy #Bidenadministration #offshorewindprojects #greenhousegasemissions #EnergyDepartment #costs #renewableenergy #Solyndra #NuclearEnergyInstitute #EnvironmentalWorkingGroup #U.S.NuclearRegulatoryCommission References: - AP News: https://apnews.com/article/nuclear-power-nuscale-clean-energy-wind-biden-7f3a7fe754b77d8d6cbad8662b87a9c3 - WIRED: https://www.wired.com/story/first-small-scale-nuclear-plant-us-nuscale-canceled/ - Deseret News: https://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/11/8/23952844/advanced-nuclear-technology-nuscale-uamps-idaho-national-laboratory-coal-utah - Ohio Capital Journal: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/10/31/as-nuclear-fuel-plant-opens-in-ohio-can-small-reactors-compete/