Page 24: of Marine News Magazine (November 2023)

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Column

Nuclear

SMR refers to the size, capacity and modular construction. failures that lead to current reactor accidents. SMRs use

It does not de? ne the reactor type and the ? ssion process less radioactive material, signi? cantly removing the risk of applied. SMR types range from scaled down versions of a nuclear disaster on the scale of Fukushima.

exiting reactor designs to the latest Generation IV designs. SMRs can be the solution to the U.S. energy problems

SMRs typically report an electrical output of less than 300 as we worked toward mobility electri? cation. Offshore megawatts (MW) and/or less than 1,000 MWs of thermal wind is facing huge economic issues and other headwinds energy. Many SMR proposals recommend stacking units to on its path forward. Solar is experiencing similar problems. achieve the required energy output for each application. Both have actual ef? ciency issues when compared to cur-

To address the SMR for grid energy, the systems are de- rent fossil fuel energy distribution. SMR nuclear energy veloping to quickly replace coal ? red power plants, die- does not have that problem; and with that said, getting sel powered plants and natural gas. The modular design that message across is easier said than done.

allows the energy source to be upgraded while retaining The global SMR market was reportedly valued at the remaining working platform of the power plant. The US$9.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a com- simple modular designs have fewer moving parts reducing pound annual growth rate of 3.2% to reach US$11.3 bil-

Launched on July 21, 1959, the 21,000-ton NS Savannah, propelled by a pressurized-water reactor, demonstrates the feasibility of commercial ships propelled by nuclear energy.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 24 | MN November 2023