Recognized as the world’s largest producer of nuclear power—with a fleet of reactors operated by 30 different power companies in 30 different states—the United States remains a pioneer in the development of nuclear technology.
GE Hitachi is on the vanguard of the newest generation of nuclear reactors in the US with its BWRX-300 small modular reactor, which can be used in both industrial applications and power generation.
U.S. nuclear power plants are essential to achieving President (Joe) Biden’s climate goals, and DOE is committed to keeping carbon-free electricity flowing and preventing premature closures.
Jennifer Granholm,
US Energy Secretary
total US nuclear
power output
average US reactor
operating capacity
new nuclear capacity
needed by 2030
GEH’s BWRX-300 represents the latest evolution of the economic simplified boiling water reactor (ESBWR). Melding proven ESBWR technology with advanced construction solutions and innovative building techniques results in a SMR that is smarter, safer, faster to construct, and less costly to operate.
Nuclear’s carbon footprint is miniscule compared to fossil fuels. In fact, if all the world’s coal and natural gas plants were replaced with low-carbon nuclear, global CO2 emissions would be reduced by nearly 13 billion tons annually.
Yes. 92 commercial reactors provide a total 94.7 GWe, or about 20% of the nation’s total power output. More than a third of those currently operating US plants are boiling water reactors (BWR) based on GEH technology.
Nuclear is already the most land-efficient means of electricity production, requiring only 2.4 km²/TWh per year. However, an SMR like the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 is also designed to reduce building volume in plant layout by about 90 percent, resulting in a minimal impact on natural habitats compared to fossil fuels.
Many countries have safely used nuclear power for well over 60 years. It is one of the most closely monitored and regulated industries in the world and actually has the lowest rate of fatalities and injuries per unit of electricity compared to all other electric power generation. Cyber security and physical on-site security are top-tier and on guard 24/7/365.
The reactors themselves are built to strident safety specifications, constantly monitored, and layered with multiple redundancy systems to maintain the unprecedented track record of safety the industry has achieved.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) is tasked with protecting public health and safety related to nuclear energy. It is an independent agency whose responsibilities include:
Many uses for nuclear technology exist beyond power generation, including:
There is also research into producing steam supplies for industrial applications and district heating systems.
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