Small Modular Reactors: The Future of Energy and National Security

Here’s a detailed report drawn from my research and the aid of AI tools. Compiling this information was a fun dive back into the research world—it reminded me of my eighth-grade English class when I wrote a research paper on lasers for Mrs. Anderson. I got to indulge in scientific geekdom, something I haven’t done in a while. The future of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is bright, especially as nuclear energy technology has made leaps since the days of Three Mile Island, a time I remember well. We owned stock in the electrical company during that event, and seeing how far we’ve come with safety improvements is remarkable.

Today, SMRs mark a new era in nuclear energy development. These compact reactors are more efficient, cost-effective, and significantly safer. Companies like NuScale Power are leading the charge. They’ve already developed working prototypes under government contracts, which are expected to be operational by the end of this decade. Executive Order 13972, signed by President Trump in 2020, catalyzed this development, which promoted SMRs for energy independence and national defense.

The executive order emphasizes the critical need to maintain U.S. leadership in nuclear technology. It mandates accelerating SMR development through government and private sector coordination, laying the groundwork for regulatory approval and commercialization. This initiative sets the U.S. on a path to provide affordable, reliable, and resilient energy for various applications, including military and space exploration.

One exciting frontier is the potential for portable SMRs, which could be transported to disaster zones to provide power quickly. This could revolutionize how we handle recovery efforts after large-scale natural disasters or emergencies. However, there are significant logistical challenges in moving these reactors and connecting them to existing power grids. While the details need to be worked out, the concept has immense potential.

On the fuel side, advancements have been equally promising. One of the biggest concerns with nuclear energy has always been waste disposal. However, Centrus Energy is developing High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), a type of fuel with a shorter half-life, which makes nuclear waste disposal far less of an issue. This development could resolve one of the longest-standing obstacles to the wider adoption of nuclear energy.

There’s another side to this discussion that can’t be ignored: the issue of national security. I’ve read reports that the U.S. no longer has the capability to produce weapons-grade fissionable material. This is concerning, especially as China continues to expand its nuclear arsenal. In a world where nuclear deterrence still plays a critical role in international relations, this gap needs to be addressed if we want to maintain our strategic edge.

SMRs offer substantial economic and environmental benefits. Their modular design allows them to be constructed in a factory setting and then transported to the site, reducing both costs and construction times. Additionally, they require less upfront capital investment, making them an attractive option for energy providers.

From an environmental standpoint, SMRs generate no carbon emissions during operation, making them a vital tool in reducing greenhouse gases. When compared to solar and wind energy, nuclear power is also far less land-intensive. Solar farms and wind turbines take up vast amounts of real estate, and when they reach the end of their life cycle, they leave behind considerable non-recyclable waste. Nuclear energy, by contrast, is far more efficient and cleaner than many realize.

Beyond civilian energy grids, SMRs hold promise for military and space applications. The Department of Defense is exploring their use to provide energy to remote military installations, which often rely on diesel generators. Given their small footprint and flexibility, SMRs could provide a reliable energy source in these locations.

NASA is also looking into SMR technology for space missions, where reliable, compact energy sources are essential. These reactors could power long-term space exploration missions or even future settlements on the Moon or Mars.

The global demand for SMRs is expected to rise, especially in countries looking to meet strict climate goals while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The U.S., with companies like NuScale Power and TerraPower, is well-positioned to lead this market. Both companies have strong government backing and are on track to deploy SMR technology globally.

Contracts are already in place between the U.S. government and international partners, and as regulatory frameworks evolve and more prototypes enter the market, SMRs will likely become a cornerstone of global energy infrastructure.

The development of Small Modular Reactors represents an exciting technological and environmental breakthrough for both the United States and the world. Underpinned by Executive Order 13972 and supported by government contracts, companies like NuScale Power and TerraPower are driving this shift toward cleaner, more efficient, and safer nuclear energy. These reactors offer a sustainable solution to energy challenges, with applications ranging from civilian grids to military installations and even space exploration.

At a time when reducing carbon emissions is a global priority and when concerns about national security are intensifying, SMRs provide a critical path forward. The future of nuclear energy is here, and it’s modular, scalable, and far safer than ever before.

Sources:
Trump, Donald. Executive Order 13972: Promoting Small Modular Reactors for National Defense and Space Exploration. December 8, 2020.

NuScale Power. “NuScale Power SMR Design.” NuScale Power, 2020.

Centrus Energy. “High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Fuel Development.” Centrus Energy, 2021.

John Ellis, News Items. “Technology Companies Turn to Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy Needs.” New York Times, October 2024.

U.S. Department of Energy. “Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology.” DOE, 2022.