Small Modular Reactors: Practical Considerations for a Nuclear Renaissance

Guest Speaker

Andrew S. Whittaker, Ph.D., P.E., S.E.
University of Buffalo
SUNY Distinguished Professor
Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering

Webinar Details

With a changing physical and political climate, society is considering a return to nuclear power as an alternative energy source that is always on — even when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. Over 80 innovative small modular reactors (SMRs) are in development worldwide, yet only a handful are operational. What does it take to bring this new type of nuclear power plant online safely and efficiently?

Stakeholders will need reassurance that SMRs can be a good investment beyond net-neutral carbon goals. The next generation of SMRs are being designed to remedy some past issues, promising safer designs that can compete economically with other fuels.

In this webinar, we explain some of the new technologies intended to improve safety (e.g., passive cooling, base isolation, and the pivot away from huge light-water reactors) and new risk-informed design and construction standards intended to improve performance under extreme loads (e.g., earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods). Attendees will learn how materials science, structural and mechanical engineering, and advanced safety systems are shaping SMR designs. 

Key Takeaways:

• Understand new technologies that improve nuclear power safety and reliability.
• Learn about novel thermal-hydraulic concepts.
• Explore the role of materials science in SMR design and performance.
• Discover how quantitative risk-informed, performance-based designs enhance safety and economic feasibility of SMRs.
• Learn how SMRs will be designed to withstand intense earthquake shaking while maintaining structural integrity.
• Gain the practical knowledge needed to have informed discussions on the benefits and risks associated with building out a fleet of SMRs.

Who Should Attend

• The legal community 
• Civil, electrical, and structural engineers or computer scientists tasked with planning, building, and monitoring nuclear reactors
• Developers, project managers, and investors for utilities that build, or plan to build, small nuclear reactors

CLE Credits 

Earn 1 CLE credit for this session.*

*Exponent is accredited as a Multiple Activity Provider in California. Please check with your local jurisdiction for CLE credit approval.