On October 7, 2024, NASEO and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) released a new report, Energy and Industrial Use Cases for Advanced Nuclear Reactors. This report offers a comprehensive overview of potential alternative use cases for advanced nuclear energy, highlighting key considerations and critical questions for State Energy Offices and state energy regulators.
Advanced nuclear energy is gaining momentum as a key component of state energy strategies, with significant project growth anticipated over the next decade. State Energy Offices and public utility commissions are crucial in facilitating the development and integration of these initiatives. Given that more states are exploring advanced nuclear options and the significant role that state entities will play in future projects, it is valuable to better understand the various use cases being implemented or developed, both in the United States and internationally. Ongoing state efforts in advanced nuclear planning underscore a growing interest in harnessing the potential of advanced nuclear technologies. The report outlines the key attributes that make these reactors attractive for uses beyond conventional electricity generation. These attributes include their safety profile, ability to produce high temperatures, flexible output, modular construction, smaller unit size and capabilities for ramping and black start. Although advanced nuclear is a newer form of energy production under consideration, various states have already begun preparing for advanced reactors by developing reports and forming working groups to address state-level considerations for advanced reactor technology. The preliminary plans under development by states emphasize the need to understand advanced nuclear applications, both in the power sector and more broadly, and concurrently examine state-specific opportunities. The full report can be found here.