UK Unveils Ambitious Plan for Small Nuclear Reactors, But Don't Hold Your Breath

Modular Nuclear Reactors: A Promising Future, But Not Yet a Reality In a bid to reduce reliance on Russian energy, the UK government has announced plans to build over a dozen small nuclear reactors across the country. The ambitious project, touted as a new golden age for nuclear power, has sparked excitement among industry experts and policymakers alike. However, despite the promise of these modular reactors, many question whether they can be built in time. The partnership between British firm Centrica and US start-up X-Energy is one of the most high-profile collaborations in this field. The two companies plan to build 12 small modular nuclear reactors to power data centers, as well as a micro modular nuclear power plant at DP World's London Gateway port. Last Energy, another US-based company, will also be involved in building a micro reactor. "We're excited about the potential of these new technologies," said Bruno Merk, a professor at the University of Liverpool and an expert on small nuclear reactors. "They offer a more efficient and cost-effective way to generate power." However, experts caution that developing and deploying modular reactors is no easy feat. "The UK government's plans are ambitious, but we need to be realistic about the timeframe," said Dr. Merk. "Building these reactors will take time, and it's unlikely they'll be ready in the next few years." Background research suggests that similar technology has been proposed for a Xe-100 plant in the US, which uses similar designs to those planned in the UK. Industry insiders point out that while modular reactors offer many benefits, including improved safety and reduced waste, their development is still in its infancy. The partnership between Centrica and X-Energy was announced ahead of US President Trump's visit to London in September 2023. While no specific dates were given for the start of construction, industry insiders speculate that it may take several years before any of these projects come online. As the UK government pushes forward with its plans, many are left wondering whether modular reactors can truly deliver on their promise. "We need to be careful not to get too caught up in the hype," said Dr. Merk. "These technologies have a lot of potential, but we need to focus on making them work." The current status of these projects remains uncertain, with no official word on when construction will begin or how long it will take to complete. As the UK government continues to push for a new golden age in nuclear power, one thing is clear: modular reactors are an exciting prospect, but they won't be ready anytime soon. Byline: Emily J. Miller, Energy Reporter *Reporting by Newscientist.*