#small modular reactors

[jellysshitpoems]

What’s your opinion on small nuclear reactors/SMRs? I’ve heard a lot about them recently (including some advertisements actually) but I’m not sure how applicable they would be outside of their current uses, like powering naval ships/icebreakers and research stations. I’ve read that they could be used to power off-grid native communities; is that something that gets discussed a lot in Canada?

As always, I hope you’re doing alright!

You just managed to touch on two things rarely talked about in Canada, Indigenous communities that are in need of help, and SMRs 😅

Small modular reactors aren’t something Im particularly well versed in, I wasn’t even aware they were used on/considering using them on large ships, but it makes sense! I heard that they could be used to power things like natural disaster clean up, due to their portability and what not, but using them to power remote communities (Indigenous or not) Is a great idea!

Unfortunately though, Canada doesn’t exactly have the greatest history with helping said communities. In fact theres a lot (and I mean a fucking LOT, over 600) of reserves that don’t have access to even just clean drinking water. Hell I did a whole project on a community that has had mercury poisoning for decades! And their levels are still so high it can affect fetal development! So I doubt any reservations or towns are getting billion dollar SMRs- Thanks Canadian government!!!

I feel like I always find a way to derail these asks. Oops.

Anywaysss, from what Ive heard SMRs are super cool, I just dont know a lot! My brain has bigger fish to fry when it comes to my hyper fixation if that makes sense lmao, I like big reactors and huge facilities. Organization and protocols and precautions kick my adhd into gear, yayy systems 😁😁

[man-and-atom]

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station undoubtedly has many useful lessons for any lunar or planetary outpost. But we have to take a moment to stand aghast at the energy supply.

“Hundreds of thousands of gallons” of a super-expensive specialty grade of jet fuel, brought in either by air, or by driving tractors and sleds for “several weeks” across the ice cap?

A nuclear power unit for an electrical load of about 1 MW (and a corresponding heat load of about 3 MW) would be very costly. No doubt about it. But could it be that costly? Equally to the point, with a refuelling interval of not less than three years, worries about laying up enough fuel in before winter closes in would be a thing of the past, even considering the needs for aircraft refuelling and backup fuel in case of a reactor problem. Simply endangering fewer lives on hazardous supply flights and traverses would justify the cost.

The unsatisfactory performance of PM-3A at McMurdo has given atomic power an undeserved bad reputation in the polar regions. Yes, we say undeserved — certainly, leaks from the primary circuit resulted in contamination, with the result that a large volume of gravel from around the plant was dug up and shipped back to the USA as “nuclear waste”. But contamination by petroleum fuel is far more common, far more extensive, and far more difficult to detect with cheap hand-held instruments.

[irradiate-space]

Shower thoughts on power generation

Starting assumptions:

The current generation of Small Modular Reactors has never been small enough to containerize, but there are small thermoelectric containerizable power plants without proliferation concerns: see the Mars rovers

Gigascale nuclear is still cheaper per MWh than SMR

But solar and wind are cheaper than gigascale nuclear

But solar and wind aren't 100% availability

Batteries are somewhat expensive

Flywheels are already containerized (see Kodiak, Alaska)

Terraform Industries would be stupid if their plants weren't containerized, and they don't seem stupid. Their rollout starts in 2024.

Carbon-neutral and carbon-negative don't mean "no carbon-based fuels"; just "no fossil fuels".

How do I see the near future playing out, say by 2050?

Containerized nuclear thermoelectric batteries are used for low-load low-sunlight high-impact postings, as a form of set-and-forget critical infrastructure. This is the most-wishful item on my list.

Maybe there's some geothermal in the mix, but it remains high cost to site and construct relative to other forms of power, and has limited geographic availability.

Gigascale nuclear gets built when your consumption density is higher than available solar/wind generation density, so long as it remains infeasible to build new long-distance power transmission lines.

Solar/wind fields power containerized electricity-to-CH4 plants as a source of carbon for carboniferous fuels. This fuels non-electrified mobile sources and, directly fuels demand-responsive gas turbines for The Grid when the sun don't shine/the wind don't blow. Your renewables overproduce electricity, beyond what The Grid needs? Make CH4. Don't want to deal with permitting for a thousand-mile-long transmission pipeline? Don't. Colocate CH4 generation with CH4 use.

Need a microgrid for a Burning Man, a FEMA camp, or Palestine? Unload a containerized 1MWh solar/flywheel/battery/CH4 setup, with 5 acres' worth of containerized solar panels to back it up. Knock out the temporary panels on the containers and convert them to modular buildings. Need more MWh? More containers, more acres. Or just truck in a couple tankers of methane and a generator.

Applications requiring high energy density switch to CH4, or use the cheapest solar/wind electricity to turn CH4 to propane/kerosene/gasoline as needed. Aircraft and many ground vehicles will still emit CO2, but it's CO2 that was sucked from the sky: Net Zero is achieved.

Net CO2 reduction comes from diverting air-sourced carbon to fixation: plastics, paints, asphalt, concrete, diamonds.

The Haber-Bosch process uses air-sourced hydrogen or desalination-sourced hydrogen instead of fossil hydrogen to make ammonia.

[legarski]

Hybrid Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Pioneering the Future of Energy and Connectivity

SolveForce is proud to announce the release of a groundbreaking new book, “Hybrid Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): From Design to Future Technologies,” co-authored by Ronald Joseph Legarski, Jr., President & CEO of SolveForce and Co-Founder of Adaptive Energy Systems. This publication stands at the convergence of next-generation nuclear energy, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital…

[notayesmanseconomics]

UK employment and unemployment are feeling the impact of the NI rises

Some days quite a few different economic themes cross over and today is one of those. Let me start with the words of UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. “We’re not going to apologise.” @Ed_Miliband tells #TimesRadio the decision to U-turn on winter fuel payments is right because the chancellor has now “stabilised the public finances”. He went on to repeat the claim of their having been a fiscal…

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

U.S. Nuclear Power Market: Growth Drivers, Challenges, and Future Outlook

The U.S. nuclear power market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing electricity demand, advancements in reactor technologies, and a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, the market was valued at approximately USD 13.3 billion and is projected to reach USD 19.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2025 to 2032. Rising…

[anuraxx]

Oklo says engaging with Nuclear Regulatory Commission in readiness assessment.. read more..

[nicolae]

Amazon is investing in the nuclear industry in small modular reactors for clean energy

Amazon has announced a bold step towards sustainability with a major investment in small modular reactors (SMRs) to use clean nuclear power globally. The initiative marks a significant shift in the company’s energy strategy as it aims to reduce its carbon footprint and move closer to its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The investment, part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge, involves a…

[researchinenergyandpower]

The global small modular reactor market size is estimated to be USD 5.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period. Factors such as the versatile nature of nuclear power and the relative advantages of SMRs such as modularization and factory construction are enabling the growth of the market.

[wayti-blog]

"MUMBAI: State-run Indian Oil Corporation Ltd is in preliminary talks with atomic power monopoly to build small nuclear units [Small modular reactors (SMRs)], an early-stage technology seen as a cost-effective alternative to larger plants.

The refiner and fuel retailer is exploring a partnership with state-controlled Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd to use small modular reactors, or SMRs, in its refineries for clean power, Alok Sharma, Indian Oil's director for R&D, said at a conference in New Delhi Wednesday.

As several bigger projects face delays, policymakers are promoting small-scale nuclear technology with a capacity of up to 300 MW, which is quicker to build and easier to adjust to the requirements of the grid. To boost the nascent sector, the government is considering allowing private firms to manage and operate reactors."

article here

[darnellafrica]

Ghana 🇬🇭 Nuclear Deal: Small Modular Reactors From Five Potential Suitors

Ghana 🇬🇭 has been experiencing energy growing pains as of late, & the nation is actively seeking out nuclear power as a long-term option.

Fortunately, the nation known for its gold has a golden opportunity to have a nuclear power plant built within its borders & is actively being courted by five nuclear-powered nations.

“Choosing the US industry offers advantages you can’t get from anyone else,” said Maria Korsnick, president of the US Nuclear Energy Institute. “The US industry will not seek to weaponise energy production or trap partners in a cycle of debts. We want real partnerships that lead to real energy independence and security.” […]

Ahead of the summit, the US government committed $1.7m to the development of a Small Modular Reactors (SMR) simulator in Ghana to serve the region, matching up similar efforts by Russia’s state-run Rosatom that only recently sealed a nuclear power plant deal with neighbouring Burkina Faso.

Since 2021, when it put out a request for a vendor country, the West African country has received proposals from the US, Russia, China, France and South Korea.

Although the government of Ghana 🇬🇭 still has friendly relations with France 🇫🇷 & Russia 🇷🇺, it would be surprising for them to pick either of those countries due to the growing anti-France sentiment in Africa & global sanctions on Russia 🇷🇺 (over their invasion of Ukraine 🇺🇦), respectively.

China 🇨🇳, South Korea 🇰🇷 & the United States 🇺🇸 are probably the leading contenders for a reactor, with the latter being the most welcoming due to availability of capital.

Hopefully, more African nations will be courted with nuclear energy deals in the future, as Ghana’s 🇬🇭 bigger brother Nigeria 🇳🇬 is also in desperate need of a nuclear power plant.

[global-research-report]

Decentralized Power, Central to Progress: The Small Modular Reactor Revolution

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Market Growth & Trends

The global small modular reactor (SMR) market was valued at USD 6.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for flexible, cost-efficient, and low-carbon energy solutions, especially as global economies transition toward more sustainable energy systems.

SMRs are innovatively designed nuclear reactors that are factory-built, modular, and transportable, offering considerable advantages over traditional large-scale nuclear plants. These advantages include reduced construction times and costs, as well as greater deployment flexibility, especially in remote locations or smaller electrical grids where conventional reactors are impractical.

In addition to their adaptability, SMRs incorporate advanced passive safety features, enhancing operational safety and reducing the risks traditionally associated with nuclear energy. Their ability to complement renewable energy sources by providing stable baseload power makes them a critical asset in decarbonizing the energy sector while maintaining grid stability.

However, despite these benefits, several challenges hinder market expansion. The high upfront capital costs associated with developing and deploying SMRs can deter investors when compared with alternative energy technologies such as solar, wind, or natural gas. Moreover, the complex and rigorous regulatory environment for nuclear technology can cause significant delays and increase compliance costs, adding further uncertainty for project developers. Public apprehensions around nuclear safety and radioactive waste management also remain significant barriers to widespread acceptance and deployment.

Market Strategies and Industry Dynamics

To overcome these barriers and gain a competitive edge, key industry players are engaging in:

Strategic partnerships and public-private collaborations aimed at securing funding, accelerating approvals, and increasing public trust.

A strong focus on modularity and scalability, which allows for easier site integration, phased capacity expansions, and cost control.

Emphasis on enhanced safety and reliability, leveraging state-of-the-art design features to reduce operational risks and improve system resilience.

These strategies are collectively shaping the roadmap for broader adoption and long-term viability of SMRs in the global energy mix.

Get a preview of the latest developments in the Small Modular Reactor Market? Download your FREE sample PDF copy today and explore key data and trends

 

Global Small Modular Reactor Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the small modular reactor market on the basis of product type, application, and region: 

Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Heavy Water Reactors

Light Water Reactors

High-temperature Reactors

Others

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Power Generation

Desalination

Industrial

Hydrogen Production

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Central & South America

Brazil

Argentina

Middle East & Africa

Key Small Modular Reactor Companies

The small modular reactor market is led by several prominent companies, including:

Fluor Corporation – A U.S.-based engineering and construction firm that provides nuclear and energy solutions across diverse sectors including infrastructure, energy transition, and technology through three key business segments: Energy Solutions, Urban Solutions, and Mission Solutions.

Rolls-Royce plc – A global manufacturer specializing in propulsion and power systems. Rolls-Royce is advancing its role in the SMR space through innovation in civil nuclear applications

and is a key player in the UK’s SMR program.

Other major companies shaping the industry include:

Brookfield Asset Management

Moltex Energy

General Electric Company

ULTRA SAFE NUCLEAR

X Energy LLC

Westinghouse Electric Company LLC

Terrestrial Energy Inc.

General Atomics

These players collectively represent a significant share of the market and are actively influencing SMR design, commercialization, and policy frameworks.

Order a free sample PDF of the Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[heatalk]

全球用電需求激增下的新興投資方向：小型核電技術的崛起

[閱讀全文: https://is.gd/3oWzcq]

人類對能源的需求正以前所未有的速度增長。數據中心、人工智能運算、電動車普及，以及工業自動化等領域的快速擴張，使得電力供應成為各國經濟發展的關鍵瓶頸。

[nicolae]

Sam Altman, ChatGPT and Small Modular Reactors

(A light water small modular nuclear reactor. Credit: U.S. Government Accountability Office/Wikimedia Commons) Sam Altman is an entrepreneur, investor, and former president of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that has funded companies like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. He is also the CEO of OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, a research organization that aims to create artificial intelligence that…

[industrynewsupdates]

Key Drivers Fueling Growth in the Small Modular Reactor Market

The global small modular reactor (SMR) market was valued at approximately USD 6.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the potential of SMRs to offer more flexible and cost-effective solutions for nuclear power generation. SMRs are designed to be built in factories and shipped to their deployment sites, which significantly reduces both construction time and costs when compared to traditional large-scale reactors. This factory-built approach is a key advantage, making SMRs an attractive option for meeting energy demands in a more efficient and economical manner.

One of the standout features of SMRs is their enhanced safety capabilities. These reactors are equipped with passive safety systems that operate without the need for external power or human intervention in the event of an emergency, significantly improving safety over traditional nuclear plants. Additionally, SMRs can be deployed in remote or smaller grid locations where large nuclear plants are impractical or infeasible. This flexibility in deployment opens up new opportunities for nuclear power generation in areas that would otherwise rely on less reliable or more expensive energy sources.

SMRs also contribute to grid stability and can complement renewable energy sources like wind and solar by providing a consistent and reliable low-carbon energy output. This makes SMRs a valuable component in the global transition to cleaner energy systems and in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As nations strive to meet their climate goals, SMRs offer a potential solution for maintaining energy security while reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

However, the widespread adoption of SMRs is not without challenges. One of the primary concerns is the high upfront costs associated with developing and deploying these reactors. The initial investment required for SMRs is considerably higher than that of many alternative energy sources, making it difficult for investors to justify the expense. This cost barrier could slow down the adoption of SMRs, particularly in markets where cost-effectiveness is a major consideration.

Additionally, the complex and highly regulated nature of the nuclear industry poses another obstacle. The regulatory framework for nuclear technology is stringent, and the approval process can be time-consuming and costly. Delays in regulatory approval can significantly increase development timelines and costs, which in turn may discourage potential developers from pursuing SMR projects. Public concerns about the safety of nuclear technology, including issues related to waste management and the potential for accidents, also persist. These concerns can affect the public's acceptance of SMRs and hinder political and social support for their deployment.

Curious about the Small Modular Reactor Market? Download your FREE sample copy now and get a sneak peek into the latest insights and trends. 

FAQ: Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Market Overview (2024–2030)

1. What is the projected market size for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2030?

The global SMR market was valued at approximately USD 6.14 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 7.69 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2024 to 2030.

2. What factors are driving the growth of the SMR market?

Key drivers include:

• Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness: SMRs are factory-built and shipped to sites, reducing construction time and costs compared to traditional large reactors.

• Enhanced Safety Features: They offer passive safety systems and can be deployed in remote or smaller grid locations where larger plants are not feasible.

• Support for Clean Energy Transition: SMRs can complement renewable energy sources, providing a reliable, low-carbon energy source and supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Which type of SMR accounted for the largest market share in 2023?

Heavy water reactors dominated the market with a revenue share of over 42.9% in 2023. Their ability to efficiently use natural uranium reduces the need for expensive uranium enrichment processes, making them attractive in regions with abundant natural uranium resources but limited enrichment capabilities.

4. Which SMR application is expected to grow the fastest?

The desalination application is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. SMRs can provide a stable and continuous supply of high-quality thermal energy needed for desalination processes, benefiting regions facing water scarcity from a reliable and sustainable source of fresh water.

5. Which regions are leading in SMR development?

• North America: Dominated the market with a revenue share of 25.4% in 2023. The demand is driven by the region's focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources and achieving carbon reduction goals.

• Asia Pacific: Expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by increasing energy needs, rapid economic growth, and significant investments in nuclear technology.

• Europe: Witnessing an increasing demand for SMRs as part of its broader strategy to decarbonize its energy system and ensure energy security.

6. Who are the key players in the SMR market?

Prominent companies in the SMR market include:

• Brookfield Asset Management

• Moltex Energy

• General Electric Company

• ULTRA SAFE NUCLEAR

• X Energy LLC

• Fluor Corporation

• Rolls-Royce plc

• Westinghouse Electric Company LLC

• Terrestrial Energy Inc.

• General Atomics

Order a free sample PDF of the Small Modular Reactor Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[lancely-blog]

Building Nuclear Power Plants in Hurricane Alley: Think Again?

All text copyrighted ©️ 2025 by Lancer Gareth Bailey

Dow Industries recently unveiled plans to construct four nuclear power plants along the Texas Gulf Coast—an area famously nicknamed “Hurricane Alley.” While the company promises clean, reliable energy, the proposal raises critical safety concerns that can’t be ignored.

Texas’ coastline is no stranger to nature’s fury. This region faces a trifecta of extreme weather threats: hurricanes, flooding, and increasingly unpredictable power grid behavior. In recent years, we’ve seen firsthand how these forces can cripple infrastructure. Now, imagine those same forces converging on a nuclear facility.

When hurricanes make landfall, they bring not just high winds, but massive storm surges and torrential rains. These can knock out power, flood backup generators, destroy infrastructure, and limit access for emergency crews. Add to that the Texas heat, which can stress cooling systems, and winter storms like the 2021 blackout event that left much of the state in the dark for days. Every one of these hazards could pose serious challenges to a nuclear plant’s ability to maintain safe operations—not just during normal use, but especially during shutdown and emergency conditions.

The risks aren’t hypothetical.

During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in New Jersey—though already offline—issued an emergency alert as floodwaters rose dangerously close to disabling its spent fuel pool cooling systems. Just a few more feet, and it might’ve mirrored the disaster that unfolded in Japan the year before.

Fukushima Daiichi, one of the most technologically advanced nuclear plants in the world, was also shut down ahead of the 2011 tsunami. That didn’t stop catastrophe. Flooding knocked out the backup generators that powered its cooling systems, leading to a partial meltdown, hydrogen explosions, and widespread radioactive contamination. The world learned that even a powered-down plant can become a disaster zone if cooling is lost.

Which brings us to a common misconception: Can’t we just shut down a plant before a storm hits? Yes—and operators often do. But turning off the reactor doesn’t mean the danger ends. Even in shutdown, nuclear fuel continues to generate heat for days or weeks. That heat must be actively managed and cooled—usually with pumps that require power. If floodwaters knock out the electrical systems or disable generators, it could lead to a cascade of failures. The same applies to spent fuel pools, which house older but still highly radioactive fuel rods. If those pools overheat, they can boil off coolant water, ignite fuel rods, and release radiation.

So while Dow Industries may tout their plan as safe and forward-thinking, the public deserves more than assurances. We need absolute clarity on how these facilities will be hardened against storm surges, flooding, wind damage, prolonged grid outages, and cooling system failures. We need to know whether emergency responders can access these sites during a hurricane. And we need to ask why—after all we’ve learned—any company would choose to build nuclear reactors in one of the most weather-vulnerable regions in the country.

Clean energy is critical. But it cannot come at the cost of basic common sense. If we ignore the lessons of the past, we may end up repeating them—with consequences too great to bear.

⸻

Counterarguments:

1. Proximity to Industrial Demand

The Texas Gulf Coast is home to some of the largest petrochemical and manufacturing complexes in the world, including Dow’s own operations in Freeport and along the coast. These facilities require massive, stable, around-the-clock electricity, far beyond what wind or solar can reliably deliver on their own.

• Nuclear energy offers baseload power—it runs continuously and isn’t subject to the intermittency of renewables.

• Locating nuclear plants close to demand centers reduces transmission losses and costs, and increases grid stability.

2. Nuclear is a Clean Energy Source

In an era of accelerating climate change, even traditionally carbon-heavy industries are under pressure to decarbonize.

• Nuclear power produces zero carbon emissions at the point of generation, making it a crucial tool in the fight against climate change.

• Texas already leads in wind and solar, but pairing those with reliable nuclear could help phase out coal and natural gas faster.

3. Advanced Reactor Designs Are Safer

Since the Fukushima disaster, U.S. plants have undergone significant upgrades, including the implementation of FLEX strategies, redundant safety systems, and passive self-shutdown capabilities that don’t rely on electric pumps or operator intervention to stay safe in emergencies. Newer reactors, especially the small modular reactors (SMRs) being proposed by Dow, are designed to be even more resilient.

• These designs can automatically cool themselves, even if power is lost.

• New containment structures are engineered to withstand flooding, high winds, and seismic events.

4. Economic Development

The project would likely bring thousands of high-paying construction and engineering jobs, as well as long-term skilled employment for plant operators, security, and maintenance crews.

• It could transform coastal communities economically, providing tax revenue and infrastructure investment.

• It may also attract other industries looking for stable, low-carbon energy sources.

5. Texas is No Stranger to Big Infrastructure

Supporters might argue that if any state has the resources, space, and technical capability to build resilient nuclear facilities in a challenging environment, it’s Texas. They may point to the state’s experience with large-scale oil & gas infrastructure and its growing leadership in energy innovation.

Additionally, there is already precedent for safe nuclear energy along the Texas coast.

The South Texas Project (STP), located near Bay City, has operated two nuclear reactors since the 1980s without a single severe accident, radiation leak, or environmental contamination. Even when tested by nearby Category 4 Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the plant remained stable and fully operational. While there have been a few minor incidents—like a transformer failure and a switchyard fire in 2024—none compromised safety systems or public health.

⸻

But… Asterisks Everywhere

Each of these arguments comes with caveats:

• Modern reactor designs are promising, but not yet widely deployed or tested under real-world hurricane stress. No current reactors have been tested against a direct hit by a category 4 or 5 hurricane. Hurricanes are getting stronger due to climate change. A direct hit from a Category 4 or 5 storm—even if not catastrophic—could still force expensive shutdowns, damage infrastructure, and disrupt energy delivery.

• Clean energy goals are crucial—but placing critical infrastructure in high-risk zones may undermine those goals in the long term.

• Economic development is good—but who bears the risk if something goes wrong? Likely the surrounding communities.

⸻

Side Note: Is Nuclear Power Truly “Clean” Energy?

While nuclear power generation itself emits no carbon dioxide, labeling it as “clean” overlooks the significant challenge of radioactive waste management. High-level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel, remains hazardous for thousands to hundreds of thousands of years, depending on its isotopic composition. For instance, plutonium-239 has a half-life of about 24,000 years, meaning it takes that long for half of its radioactivity to decay. Managing such long-lived waste necessitates secure containment strategies to prevent environmental contamination and protect human health over extensive periods.

Currently, most high-level waste is stored on-site at nuclear facilities, awaiting the development of permanent disposal solutions like deep geological repositories. The long-term stewardship required for this waste poses ethical and logistical challenges, as it demands reliable containment and monitoring systems that can function effectively for millennia.

Therefore, while nuclear energy contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, its classification as “clean” must be weighed against the enduring responsibility of managing its radioactive byproducts.

⸻

Note: This editorial is based on publicly available information as of April 2025. For the most current developments regarding Dow Industries’ nuclear projects, please refer to official announcements and regulatory filings.