Westinghouse, a leading nuclear power company, has launched a new small modular reactor (SMR) called the AP300. This reactor is a scaled-down version of the company’s AP1000 pressurised light water technology and is the first SMR “based on an Nth-of-a-kind operating plant.” The AP300 SMR uses identical AP1000 technology, including major equipment, structural components, passive safety, proven fuel and I&C systems.
Benefiting from the company’s Gen III+ technology, which already has regulatory approval in the USA, UK, China, and compliance with European Utility Requirements, Westinghouse aims to get licensing approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission by 2027. After that, they will require three years to get site-specific permissions and a further three years for construction.
An AP1000 with One Loop
The AP300 SMR is essentially an AP1000 with one loop instead of two. This means that it reuses a majority of components, systems, equipment, and constructability lessons from the AP1000.
This also enables the company to lower the capital cost and shorten the construction period compared to a standalone SMR.
Broader Customer Base
According to Westinghouse, the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) will attract a wider range of customers beyond those currently served by traditional utility companies.
In addition to providing power for data centers, the AP300 model will also be utilized for hydrogen production, district heating, and water desalination. Westinghouse aims to promote sustainable energy practices and strengthen global energy security, including in outer space, through its technology.
Benefits of SMR Technology
SMR technology is gaining traction around the world, as it offers several advantages over traditional nuclear reactors. Firstly, the smaller size of SMRs makes them more flexible, allowing them to be used in a range of settings, from remote locations to densely populated areas. They are also quicker to construct and can be assembled in factories before being transported to their final location.
The AP300 SMR will sit between the AP1000 and the eVinci microreactor, further expanding Westinghouse’s nuclear power portfolio. With the increasing focus on sustainable and clean energy, SMR technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in the coming years.
Westinghouse’s launch of the AP300 SMR marks a significant step forward for the company and the nuclear power industry as a whole. With its reliance on proven technology and a lower capital cost, the AP300 SMR could be a game-changer in the world of nuclear energy. By providing a range of uses beyond traditional utility customers, Westinghouse is ensuring that this technology will have a broad appeal in the coming years. The focus on sustainable energy and the potential use of SMRs in outer space underscores the importance of this technology for our future energy needs.
