Promises and Peril - Small Modular Nuclear Reactors with David Kraft, NEIS |Ep149

Clean Power Hour

Today on the Clean Power Hour we are joined by David Kraft, Founder and Director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS), as we explore the promises and perils of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) and the nuclear industry.

Nuclear energy is a low-carbon energy source once the power plants are constructed and commissioned. But the siting, permitting, and overall costs of nuclear power are such that nuclear is not going to play a major role in the energy transition. Yet, if you follow the US DOE (Dept of Energy), there is a flood of news and information suggesting that small modular nuclear reactors - so-called ‘next-gen nuclear’ - are absolutely going to be part of the mix of the future grid. What are SMNRs (also called SMRs)? How long does it take to site, permit and build them? And what is the cost of nuclear power compared to wind and solar? These are some of the questions we answer today on the Clean Power Hour.

Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS) is a non-profit organization that advocates for sustainable, ecologically sound, and socially just energy solutions. NEIS views nuclear power to have more side effects than benefits. Their founder and Director, David Kraft joins us today to share his thoughts and rationale of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMNRs).
David Kraft is an accomplished public speaker and writer on nuclear topics. He was responsible for creating the “Know Nukes!” series of videos on nuclear topics in cooperation with CAN-TV Chicago; and is a co-founder of the Radiation Monitoring Project, designed to provide training and field monitors to communities contaminated by radioactive substances.
David Kraft delves into the crucial discussions surrounding the safety concerns, waste management, and regulatory considerations associated with SMRs. We also explore the history of the nuclear industry in the US and in Illinois where 40% of grid power comes from nuclear power.

Key Takeaways

1. What is NEIS (Nuclear Energy Information Service) and what do they do?
2. What are small modular nuclear reactors?
3. Why small modular reactors might fall short
4. Unveiling the perils and potential of nuclear energy

Nuclear Energy Information Service
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