Who is NuScale: The Future of Small Modular Reactors

By Barok Gebre

January 15th, 2025

Credit: NuScale

NuScale Power, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a trailblazer in the field of small modular reactors (SMRs), an innovative class of nuclear reactors designed for flexibility and scalability. Founded in 2007, the company emerged from research at Oregon State University and has since positioned itself as a leader in advancing nuclear technology for the 21st century.

Technology Overview

NuScale’s SMR design is groundbreaking in its compactness and safety features. Each NuScale Power Module™ is capable of producing up to 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe), and multiple modules—up to 12 per plant—can be combined to create a power station with a total output of 924 MWe. This modular approach allows utilities to match capacity incrementally to demand, minimizing upfront costs and financial risk.

One of the standout features of NuScale’s reactors is their advanced passive safety system, which relies on natural physical principles such as convection and gravity rather than external power or mechanical systems. In the event of an emergency, the reactor is designed to shut down and cool itself automatically, even in the absence of operator intervention or external electricity—a major advantage in ensuring public and environmental safety.

Key Developments and Milestones

• Regulatory Approval: NuScale’s design received approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 2020, making it the first and only SMR design to achieve this milestone. This approval validates the safety and reliability of the design, paving the way for commercial deployment.

• First Deployment: The first NuScale VOYGR™ power plant, incorporating SMRs, is planned for deployment at the Idaho National Laboratory as part of the Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP). This project, led by the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), aims to demonstrate the viability of SMRs in providing clean, reliable energy to a consortium of Western U.S. utilities.

Environmental and Economic Impact

NuScale’s SMRs are positioned as a transformative technology in the global transition to clean energy. By offering a carbon-free, baseload energy source, they complement intermittent renewables like solar and wind, addressing a critical need for grid stability and reliability.

• Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Replacing fossil-fuel plants with NuScale SMRs could significantly lower carbon emissions, contributing to global climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

• Job Creation: The development, construction, and operation of SMR facilities promise substantial economic benefits, including the creation of high-paying jobs in engineering, construction, and operations.

• Adaptability: SMRs are suitable for diverse applications, including powering remote communities, industrial facilities, and even water desalination plants, highlighting their versatility in addressing energy challenges worldwide.

Challenges and Industry Context

Despite its promise, NuScale faces challenges typical of pioneering technologies. High initial costs, regulatory hurdles in different countries, and public perception issues surrounding nuclear energy require careful management. However, with increasing global support for advanced nuclear technologies and investments from both private and government sectors, NuScale is well-positioned to overcome these obstacles.

Global Leadership in SMR Development

NuScale’s success has elevated its profile on the global stage. The company has signed agreements with multiple countries, including Poland and Romania, to explore SMR deployment as part of their energy transition strategies. These partnerships reflect growing international interest in NuScale’s scalable and efficient energy solutions.

Credit: NuScale