The California Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee is set to discuss a bill that could change the state’s stance on nuclear energy. This bill aims to lift a long-standing ban on new nuclear power plants, which has been in place until a solid plan for radioactive waste management is established. If passed, the bill would specifically allow for the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology that has gained attention from various stakeholders, including government officials and the media.
SMRs are smaller nuclear reactors, typically producing less than 300 megawatts of power. This is significantly lower than the output of larger plants, like the Diablo Canyon facility, which has a capacity of 2.2 gigawatts. Advocates argue that SMRs could be a solution to rising energy demands, particularly from modern data centers, and could help combat climate change.
However, critics warn that the excitement surrounding SMRs may be misplaced. Historical trends show that smaller reactors have struggled economically. A report from the Department of Energy indicated that the costs of building SMRs could be more than 50% higher than those of larger reactors. This raises concerns about their viability, especially when compared to cheaper energy sources like natural gas and renewables such as solar and wind.
Joseph Romm, a former acting assistant secretary of Energy, points out that the U.S. has not seen a successful new nuclear plant in decades, with Georgia’s Vogtle plant being an exception, but it came with a staggering price tag of $35 billion. This makes it one of the most expensive power plants globally. Ratepayers in Georgia have already faced significant financial burdens due to this project.
The economic challenges of nuclear energy have led to a decline in its share of global power generation, dropping from 17% in the mid-1990s to just over 9% in 2024. Critics argue that the push for SMRs ignores the realities of past failures and the current economic landscape, where cheaper alternatives are readily available.
As the committee prepares to review the bill, the debate continues over whether SMRs can truly be a part of California’s energy future. With the state’s energy needs growing and the urgency of addressing climate change, the decision could have significant implications for California’s energy strategy moving forward.