Small modular reactors: A potential new power source for industrial

About this episode

Mike Walsh discusses the potential of small modular reactors as a new power source for industrial applications.

Mike Walsh, IMEG Senior Director of Industrial, joins this episode to discuss small modular reactors (SMRs) and their potential for becoming an integral source of power for manufacturers and industrial campuses. SMRs typically produce 50 to 300 megawatts of power, unlike traditional nuclear plants that generate between 1,000 and 1,500 megawatts. Mike is quick to clarify, however, that the adjective “small” is relative in comparison to traditional reactors. “They’re not small—they’re just smaller,” he says of SMRs. “They’re still large, sophisticated facilities. But their modular construction changes everything.” SMRs work on the same basic principle as traditional reactors: nuclear fission heats water into steam, which drives a turbine to produce electricity. Unlike traditional reactors, the reactor portion is manufactured within a factory—where conditions are controlled and quality assurance is consistent—and are then shipped to a location. They require significant real estate—typically 10 to 100 acres, but still far less than the 250 to 400 acres for a traditional nuclear plant. Their smaller footprint makes SMRs particularly well suited for industrial campuses. And while…

People in this episode

Guest: Mike Walsh

Topics covered

• small modular reactors
• nuclear power
• industrial energy
• efficiency
• manufacturing

Keywords

• small modular reactors
• SMRs
• nuclear fission
• industrial campuses
• energy efficiency

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: IMEG Corp.

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