New Civil Engineer’s Post

#Tennessee has a rich nuclear history, and I am proud to have once called it home. The Tennessee Energy Assurance Council’s recent report outlines bold strategies that align with free-market principles, reinforcing the state’s leadership in #nuclear innovation. Here are three standout recommendations: Private Investment in Nuclear: The report advocates leveraging private capital to address first-of-a-kind (FOAK) costs for advanced nuclear projects. This market-driven approach reduces taxpayer burdens and accelerates innovation. Fostering a Competitive Supply Chain: Expanding the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Investment Fund is a strategic way to attract manufacturers and suppliers. This initiative incentivizes private-sector growth while establishing a strong foundation for nuclear infrastructure. Modernizing Regulatory Processes: By creating a Joint Office of Nuclear Advancement, Tennessee can streamline regulatory processes, cut inefficiencies, and position itself as a hub for nuclear development and investment. These recommendations showcase Tennessee’s ability to embrace market-driven solutions for energy resilience and economic growth, solidifying its role as a leader in the future of clean, reliable nuclear power.

When you want to be 'green' but your business demands something with a little more...KICK: (for reference, the "average" nuclear power plant has about a gigawatt of capacity) This follows Microsoft's announcement to restart the plant at Three Mile Island in PA (which I'm sure they'll get at a hefty discount). When do we start to see naval (scale) reactors pop up on land? Probably sooner than you think if we really need another 47 gigawatts by 2030 (cred: Goldman Sachs).

Rolls-Royce is the only company that supplies the nuclear power systems for the UK’s submarine fleet, and on Friday, that program got a boost. The UK awarded Rolls-Royce a contract worth ~£9B ($11.3B) over eight years to support the nation’s submarine fleet. https://lnkd.in/eZSQYyQs

Some thoughts regarding the future of electric energy.

AP1000 (1) "Proven cutting-edge design, READY to build NOW" [Emphasis Added] - Absolutely TRUE.! - Wondering as to WHY the U.S. Nuclear Giant Utilities has not taken Advantages of START Ordering NOW.! ( Not EVEN Planned in the U.S.*!) * Taking Benefits associated with recently Operational AP1000 (Vogtle 3&4) (2) "...These simplifications yield FEWER components, cable, and seismic building volume, all of which contribute to considerable SAVINGS in capital investment," [Emphasis Added]  - Regarding FEWER - HOW** about the stated/shown Large Magnitude of REDUCTIONs (Specific %) in each of the BOQs.! ** Suggest: To enhance reliability of above a Comparison of BOQs for: (A) Vogtle 1 & 2 ( Westinghouse Standard PWR ) Vs, (B) Vogtle 3 & 4 (Westinghouse AP1000- Advanced PWR) #DATABASE(1970-2024)

The White House has revealed plans for a deployment programme for advanced nuclear reactors, including modular- and micro-reactors, to power “multiple” US Army bases. In a statement, the White House said: “Small modular nuclear reactors and microreactors can provide defense installations resilient energy for several years amid the threat of physical or cyberattacks, extreme weather, pandemic biothreats, and other emerging challenges that can all disrupt commercial energy networks.” https://lnkd.in/gPHhGxnp

I recently co-authored a second article about the Nuclear Ship Savannah in the November issue of Nuclear News. This article focuses on how the Maritime Administration was able to successfully balance the needs of decommissioning a historic nuclear power plant with the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act. Here's the link if you're interested in learning more: https://lnkd.in/e_sy4ms7

The South West Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills, sponsored by Babcock and EDF, has officially been launched to support the delivery of the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (the Skills Plan). Read more: https://lnkd.in/e2gbq_sm

Southern Company was first when no one wanted to be. The Plant Vogtle expansion marks historic milestones with the first new nuclear units in decades, delivering clean energy and setting a precedent for innovation. But this is just the beginning—read about the the challenges and successes Southern Nuclear faced to deploy Vogtle-3 & 4 in this Nuclear News article by Dot Schneider. https://lnkd.in/gPip6RCm

Westinghouse Electric Company and Aecon Group Inc. announced today the signing of TWO MAJOR AGREEMENTS for the development and deployment of advanced nuclear new-build projects in Canada and around the world. 1) Under a Strategic Cooperation Agreement, Westinghouse and Aecon will work together on opportunities for the construction of AP1000® power plants in markets throughout Canada; and, 2) Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), Aecon can build on its experience of supplying AP1000 modules and nuclear components at Vogtle and other projects to potentially expand the supply of key AP1000 and advanced nuclear reactor components to projects in Canada and abroad. These agreements are the latest example of our commitment to entering into meaningful agreements with our Canadian supply chain that lead to actual work in new build projects globally. It's no secret that we intend to use this increasingly diversified supply to build the next new builds in Canada. https://lnkd.in/ebZee2aV