The California Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee is set to discuss a bill that could change the state’s approach to nuclear energy. This bill aims to lift a long-standing ban on new nuclear power plants, which has been in place until a reliable plan for managing radioactive waste is established. The proposed legislation, which has faced defeat in previous attempts, would specifically allow for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
SMRs are smaller than traditional nuclear reactors, typically generating less than 300 megawatts. For comparison, Diablo Canyon, California’s largest nuclear plant, produces about 2.2 gigawatts from its two reactors. The interest in SMRs has grown as the costs associated with building larger reactors have soared, causing many projects in the U.S. and Europe to stall.
However, experts are raising concerns about the viability of SMRs. Critics argue that these smaller reactors may not be a practical solution, citing a history of failures in the nuclear sector. A 2015 analysis pointed out that economics have historically hindered small nuclear plants, a trend that seems likely to continue. The costs for developing SMRs have been significant, with a recent federal report indicating that their cost per megawatt could be more than 50% higher than that of larger reactors.
The only new nuclear plant built in the U.S. in recent years is Georgia’s Vogtle plant, which has become notorious for its staggering $35 billion price tag. This makes it the most expensive power plant ever constructed. The financial burden has been felt by Georgia ratepayers, who have seen their bills rise significantly even before the plant began generating electricity.
The push for SMRs comes at a time when renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming increasingly cost-effective. In fact, a recent report indicated that if new nuclear projects exceed a certain cost, they are unlikely to play a significant role in the U.S. energy landscape.
Globally, the trend appears to favor larger reactors. In China, for example, the majority of new nuclear capacity planned over the next few years will come from reactors larger than 1,100 megawatts, with only a small fraction allocated for SMRs. As renewable energy continues to expand rapidly, the competition for nuclear power grows even stiffer.
As the California Assembly considers this bill, the future of nuclear energy in the state remains uncertain. The discussion reflects broader debates about energy sources, costs, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to meet growing power demands.