Daily on Energy: L.A. wildfires, shipping industry support for a carbon tax, and nuclear microreactors get noticed

Daily on Energy: L.A. wildfires, shipping industry support for a carbon tax, and nuclear microreactors get noticed https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/e-mail-daily-on-energy/?env=805cbe2ee72715c18638028212b1231b9200d9aa1f81ac4115cbb8f305728c5d&rid=24919191 ELECTRIC BATTERIES MAY HAVE COMPETITION…FROM NUCLEAR: The nuclear power industry is looking to go head-to-head with companies producing electric batteries in the race to replace diesel and natural gas generators with clean alternatives. The details: A number of nuclear energy companies are now detailing plans to develop microreactors to power data centers, small communities, offshore drilling operations, remote mining operators, and more, according to a Financial Times report. One company, Westinghouse, is working on building a transportable microreactor roughly the size of a shipping container that can run on its own for years before needing more fuel. Typically, these miniature reactors generate up to 20 megawatts. While this can be enough to power around 20,000 homes, it is dramatically lower than even small modular reactors that generate around 300 megawatts. As the mining industry, offshore and onshore drilling, as well as isolated communities often rely on diesel and gas generators for power, nuclear power may offer a solution for those looking to lower emissions. “Initially, the idea was there are parts of the economy that are very difficult to decarbonise, especially remote communities that depend on transportable diesel, which is very expensive,” Jon Ball, who leads Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor program, told the Financial Times. “But the level of interest has really expanded and we believe this is going to be a significant growth area.” Possible timelines: Like anything in the nuclear industry, it is expected to take several years before these microreactors can be put on the market or be in use. Westinghouse is expected to start a test program for their eVinci microreactor in 2027 at the Idaho National Laboratory. The company has also entered an agreement with UK-based Core Power, which is reportedly looking to build nuclear power plants at sea. The company told the Financial Times that it is on track to receive an operating license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by 2029. Other possible producers, including Nano Nuclear Energy, are reportedly seeking to bring their own microreactors to the market by 2031.