EPRI voices support for American Nuclear Society recommendation to boost nuclear R&D

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) voiced its support for a new report by the American Nuclear Society that examines research and development (R&D) program funding levels inside the U.S. Department of Energy.

The report — titled The U.S. Nuclear R&D Imperative — outlines the level of federal investments for meeting nuclear energy R&D needs in the 2030s. It also looked at how to maximize nuclear energy for decarbonization, economic growth, and preservation of U.S. influence in global nuclear safety and standards.

The report determined that a near doubling in annual appropriated funding levels for core nuclear R&D activities would ensure the commercial deployment of U.S. advanced reactors in the 2030s. Specifically, it recommended about $10.3 billion in additional discretionary spending by 2030.

“In the face of the threats of climate change and America’s declining world influence, sustained nuclear R&D investment pales in comparison to the cost of inaction,” Craig Piercy, CEO of ANS, said. “It is prudent to act now to support and expand nuclear energy rather than to pay a heftier price later under duress. As a dispatchable zero-carbon energy source, nuclear energy can be called upon at any time to ensure electricity demand is always met,” Piercy said. “Accelerated and sustained R&D investments will preserve this unique carbon-free energy source for the decades to come when we will need it the most.”

EPR, an organization that conducts research and development relating to the generation and use of electricity, strongly supported the findings.

“Implementation of advanced nuclear technology and the modernization of current nuclear resources are essential to the deep decarbonization of the electric sector,” Dr. Rita Baranwal, chief nuclear officer at EPRI, said. “This report is a roadmap for how to prioritize and fund the R&D that will allow the nuclear sector to modernize and expand into the 2030s to play its part in achieving the nation’s decarbonization goals.”

Baranwal joined EPRI in January to lead the organization’s nuclear sector. Previously, she served as assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy in the United States Department of Energy.

“There will be significant economic and environmental costs associated with inadequate investment in advanced nuclear technology today,” Baranwal said. “The benefits possible from responsible, large-scale targeted federal investment in nuclear R&D are broad. Beyond expansion of reliable power generation, tomorrow’s nuclear can boost the production of low-carbon fuels like hydrogen.”