Nuclear power is no longer asking for a seat at the clean energy technology table. It has been given a chair. But the future zero-carbon contribution of nuclear energy rests increasingly on the deployment of small and modular reactors that are in many cases quite different from the existing global fleet of large reactors. Those…
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Overcoming Obstacles to Next-Gen Reactor Deployment
A meeting in Austin this month crystalized a growing concern about whether the U.S. has an effective strategy for actually deploying the next generation of smaller nuclear reactors into which it is pouring billions of dollars in technology development. The key insight into the dilemma was offered by a senior official from the Department of…
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The Nexus of Nonproliferation Norms and Next-Gen Nuclear Energy
There are many cross currents coursing through the development process for next-generation small nuclear reactors including funding, regulatory approval, and technology demonstration. But one issue receiving little attention is the relationship between these new reactors and the global non-proliferation system. The challenges posed by the adaptation of international nuclear safeguards and security requirements to these reactors is…
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U.S. Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding Around the World
Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOUs) are diplomatic instruments designed develop stronger ties between the U.S. and partner countries to support the development of strategic civil nuclear cooperation. The NCMOUs help partners build infrastructure for the responsible use of nuclear energy and technology including strong standards for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. NCMOUs can be…
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