SMRs--small modular reactors as an alternative to natural gas

Small and medium modular reactors, 300 megawatts or less, represent one of the most promising reactor concepts of the U.S. Nuclear Renaissance, offering such advantages as improved safety and economics, shorter construction times, distributed generation, and availability for non‐power generation applications. For the FY2012 Budget, the Obama Administration has requested $95 million to support new reactor concepts. In total, the Administration would like $452 million over the next five years to support a government‐industry cost share SMR Program. In June, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Committee honored the Administration’s request to support SMRs as part of their annual appropriations bill.

http://www.researchcaucus.org/documents/SmallModularReactors8sep2011.pdf