Both large-scale and small modular reactors (SMRs) can have a role to play in the fast-growing US nuclear energy market, but the growth trajectory will depend partly on whether or not their production and deployment can get to the gigawatt scale that is needed in a cost-effective way, according to a US-based industry lawyer.

Elina Teplinsky, head of the energy industry group at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, told NucNet that power demand from the use of AI in the US is significant, rising by more than 100 GW by the end of this decade, suggesting a voracious appetite for nuclear energy, including that generated by SMRs.

“Given the immediate demand for clean baseload power, the fastest trajectory is to restart recently shut-down nuclear reactors,” Teplinsky said.