The absurdity, and the sinister situation, surrounding small nuclear reactors (SMRs)
Absurdity. In one fell swoop, the American commercial dream of a booming future for small nuclear reactors has just been blown out of the water.
NuScale's much hyped contract with the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) for small modular nuclear reactors has suddenly ended, because of rising costs.
This project was the poster boy for the future of the whole nuclear energy industry world-wide. Governments and media slavishly promoted NuScale's publicity handouts, It's been as if the whole world swallowed the story that small nuclear reactors are the solution to global energy needs and to the climate crisis
The NuScale project was the first commercialisation of SMRs, was due for $billions in tax credits. Lawyers are now investigating NuScale on behalf of investors over “possible violations of federal securities laws.” It looks like "it's over, red rover" for commercial nuclear power.
Sinister side.
Sinister side. The real usefulness of SMRs has always been military. But the rage for commercial SMRs has been a fine cover for its weapons industry use. Governments could happily subsidise this peaceful private industry, subsidise universities for nuclear training , courses, convince enthusiastic young students to go for this "public benefit" "climate action" type profession.
The other sinister thing is - what happens from now on? The blanket mainstream government and media endorsement of small nuclear reactors to fight climate change has been a big bet on getting private investment to pay for it all.
Are we now going to see a blanket government and media endorsement of a tax-payer funded small nuclear reactor industry?
Today, the corporate media is still awash with articles promoting SMRs. But from now on, they'll have to work harder, and much more deceptively to get that pearl of great price - public acceptance .