NEI launches SMR Start to help commercialize small modular reactors

The Nuclear Energy Institute recently launched SMR Start, a consortium of nuclear scientists and industry stakeholders that aims to work toward the successful commercialization of small modular reactors (SMRs).

The industry-driven initiative aims to give potential reactor owners and operators a unified voice on policy and regulatory issues, as well as input on the creation of financial frameworks for the new technology.

The announcement was made on the same day that Washington think tank Third Way held a summit on advanced reactor technology.

The summit focused on the momentum that had begun to build for the next generation of nuclear reactors.

“Third Way’s Advanced Nuclear Summit symbolizes the monumental progress that has been made over the last decade to develop affordable, reliable, safe and clean advanced nuclear technology,” Josh Freed, vice president of Third Way’s clean energy program, said. “Commercialized, advanced nuclear (technology) can strengthen our grid, help address climate (change) and maintain a robust domestic nuclear sector.”