Maryland Needs Nuclear Power to Meet Future Energy Demands

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as the Solution for Maryland’s Energy Needs

In a recent commentary, George Hamilton argues that Maryland must reconsider its stance on nuclear power, particularly as advancements in nuclear technology offer new, safer, and more efficient solutions. Specifically, Hamilton advocates for the adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to address the state’s growing energy needs, especially as Maryland strives to balance sustainability and reliability in its energy mix.

Technological Advancements in Nuclear Power

Hamilton highlights the vast improvements in nuclear technology over the past few decades, particularly in the development of SMRs. These new reactors are significantly more efficient and safer than their predecessors, which were designed in the 1970s. He draws a comparison between the old nuclear reactors and today’s technology, likening the difference to comparing outdated supercomputers with modern, high-performance systems. SMRs represent a leap forward in terms of efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, offering several key benefits:

• Factory-Assembled Models: Unlike older reactors, which were built on-site, SMRs are factory-assembled, which drastically reduces production costs.
• Shutdown-Safe Technology: SMRs can shut down safely without relying on pumps or off-site power, minimizing the risk of accidents.
• Higher Thermal Efficiency: These reactors operate at much higher temperatures, boosting thermal efficiency by nearly 40% compared to older reactors.
• Flexible Power Generation: SMRs can provide electricity and process heat, making them adaptable to various industrial needs.
• Compact Design: SMRs have a smaller footprint and can be installed on sites where older, decommissioned coal plants once operated, utilizing existing infrastructure.

Challenges to SMR Deployment

Despite the promising advantages, SMRs face hurdles that must be overcome before they can be widely implemented:

1. Regulatory Hurdles: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is not yet fully equipped to review and approve the new technologies, causing delays in the licensing process.
2. Prototype Development: While SMRs are already operational in countries like Russia and China, the U.S. has yet to build a prototype, which is essential to assess their feasibility and reliability. This delay means the U.S. will likely not see significant deployment of SMRs until the 2040s.

A Shift in the Energy Market

Hamilton also notes that the deregulation of the electric market in the 1990s has led to a decline in the willingness of utilities to invest in new, high-risk technologies. However, a new player has entered the market: data centers. The demand for reliable, 24/7 power has prompted companies like TerraPower, Kairos Energy, and X-Energy to explore nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, as a way to power their operations. With the backing of private investment, these companies are poised to launch the first commercial SMR plants by 2030.

The Safety Record of Nuclear Power

One of the key points Hamilton emphasizes is the strong safety record of nuclear power in the U.S. since the Three Mile Island accident in 1979. Despite the high-profile nature of the incident, he argues that nuclear power has operated safely for over 4,500 years collectively in the U.S. since then. This impressive safety record, coupled with advancements in reactor design, further supports the case for nuclear power as a reliable and safe energy source.

The Case for Nuclear in Maryland’s Energy Portfolio

In conclusion, Hamilton makes a compelling argument for Maryland to embrace nuclear power as part of its energy strategy. He points out that nuclear energy is the only reliable, CO2-free power source available 24/7. While renewable sources like solar and wind are important, they cannot provide continuous power on their own. Solar panels, for instance, only produce electricity for about six hours a day, and wind turbines operate at full capacity only one-third of the time.

By incorporating a mix of wind, solar, and SMRs into Maryland’s energy portfolio, the state can ensure a reliable, carbon-free energy supply. The addition of nuclear power, specifically SMRs, would significantly reduce carbon emissions while meeting the growing energy demands of Maryland’s residents and businesses.

The Path Forward

For SMRs to become a viable option in Maryland and across the U.S., regulators need to move swiftly to approve the technology and encourage its development. If the U.S. had started building prototypes 10-15 years ago, Hamilton argues, the country would be in a far stronger position to benefit from SMRs today.

Maryland has the opportunity to lead the way in embracing this new generation of nuclear power, helping to shape a more sustainable and reliable energy future.