LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — State lawmakers have hired a firm to conduct a feasibility study on the potential construction of new, high-tech nuclear power plants in Arkansas—small modular reactors, or SMRs—which could be a solution to the state’s growing energy needs.
“We’re closing down two coal plants. We have to replace that with something… We need another base load fuel, and in my mind, that has to be nuclear,” said State Rep. Jack Ladyman, (R) District 32.”
SMRs generate up to 300 megawatts—about one third the power of traditional nuclear power plants—but, as their name suggests, have a smaller footprint. They are able to be constructed in factories, then transported to and assembled on site. Often having more advanced cooling systems, SMRs may also be at less risk of meltdowns…