Uncovering hidden market opportunities for advanced nuclear reactors.

Summary

This Idaho National Laboratory report analyzes market opportunities for advanced nuclear reactors, particularly microreactors (MRs), to decarbonize the industrial sector. It highlights how recent U.S. legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), can significantly improve the financial viability of MR deployment. Key findings indicate that federal and state benefits, such as the IRA's Production Tax Credit (up to $33/MWh) and Investment Tax Credit (up to 50%), alongside loan guarantees (e.g., $62 billion from Title 1703) and HALEU funding ($300 million), can substantially increase the maximum tolerated capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) for MRs. Case studies on graphite mining in Alaska and trona processing in Wyoming demonstrate how these mechanisms could make MRs cost-competitive, with FOAK CAPEX tolerated up to $9,457/kWe and OPEX up to $0.247/kWh, driving the U.S. towards a goal of reducing emissions by 65-90% by 2050 and scaling nuclear capacity from ~100 GW to ~300 GW by 2050.

Key Facts

Source Document

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