The EMA News Roundup identifies current news on sustainable transitions that offer a path forward to cleaner energy solutions. Every few weeks, we share compelling and newsworthy articles on advanced energy.

EMA News Roundup | Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2023

In our first issue, we look a bit further back on some of the most compelling updates of the summer. The latest in advanced energy news showcases how the Western U.S. is at the forefront of innovation. From the U.S. Department of Energy’s ongoing investments to Alaska’s solar advancements and Air Force energy plans in the state to Wyoming’s microreactor initiatives, the shift in the energy landscape is palpable. Small Modular Reactors are gaining traction across the region. Learn more about what is happening below with the global shift to reduce emissions and enhance energy resilience.

Accelerating Energy Development

• Department of Energy Announces $5.8 Million for Research on Nuclear Data Benefitting Nuclear Science and Applications | September 13, 2023 | Projects include research related to the impacts of improved nuclear data for nuclear reactors.
• U.S. Dept. of Energy Awards Utah Companies $10 Million in R&D Grants | September 12, 2023 | Thirteen Utah companies received ten Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I and/or Phase II awards from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• DOE Announces $150 Million to Strengthen Domestic Critical Material Supply Chains | September 7, 2023 | The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $150 million to advance cost-effective and environmentally responsible processes to produce and refine critical minerals and materials here in the United States.

Regional Energy Projects

• Developers set to flip switch at Alaska’s largest solar farm; Mat-Su facility expected to nearly double the solar energy generated in the state | September 6, 2023 | The largest solar farm in Alaska will soon begin generating solar power to help lower electricity costs.
• U.S. Air Force Selects Fast Microreactor for Nuclear Power Pilot | August 31, 2023 | The U.S. Air Force’s first nuclear microreactor planned for Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska under a federal nuclear microreactor pilot program will be an Oklo liquid metal-cooled fast reactor.
• Landmark climate law creating ‘different world’ for renewables; Inflation Reduction Act is spurring new development in the state; observers say | August 17, 2023 | A year after the administration’s signature climate bill passed, Alaska renewable energy industry observers say the law is beginning to jump-start new development in the state.
• Long-awaited Angoon hydro project can proceed, if funding can be found | August 16, 2023 | A new hydropower project on Admiralty Island has regulatory approval but still needs funding.
• Wyoming to consider microreactors as SMR plans continue | August 14, 2023 | Wyoming is assessing the potential to deploy microreactors to supplement existing power generation.
• The Kemmerer nuclear project looks to Ohio for their fuel problem | August 3, 2023 | Officials say they have an answer to the nuclear fuel supply issue for the planned Kemmerer nuclear facility.
• New hydropower technology brings resilience to small-town energy | July 21, 2023 | Idaho National Lab has developed new hydropower technology to improve resilience for small-town energy systems.
• Should there be a nuclear power plant in Utah? Most residents say yes | July 12, 2023 | A majority of Utah residents are on board with a nuclear power plant in Utah, with 65% who say they are in support, compared to 31% who are opposed and another 4% who have yet to make up their mind.
• University of Wyoming receives grant to establish new nuclear research facility | July 6, 2023 | The University of Wyoming (UW) recently announced plans to create a nuclear research core facility, with help from a $300,000 grant from the US Department of Energy. The facility is also receiving $600,000 in funding from UW’s School of Energy Resources.

Small Modular Reactors

• First part of Idaho SMR licence application submitted | August 1, 2023 | An application has been submitted for regulatory approval to begin early construction on a small modular reactor in Idaho.
• TerraPower looks to gear up ahead of demonstration project | August 21, 2023 | TerraPower plans to increase staffing by 20% as it prepares for major projects including a demonstration small modular reactor.
• Federal Funding Bolsters Saskatchewan’s First Proposed 300-MW Nuclear Project | August 24, 2023 | The Canadian federal government has provided funding to support SaskPower’s potential deployment of a 300-MW small modular reactor.

New Reactor Construction

• Georgia’s new nuclear plant is expected to make a dent in state’s carbon emissions | July 6, 2023 | The nation’s first new nuclear reactor in over 40 years is about to go into full operation in Georgia.
• Three More BWRX-300 SMRs Planned for Canada’s Darlington Site July 7, 2023 Ontario plans to deploy three new GE Hitachi small modular reactors at an existing nuclear site.

Global Momentum

• Rwanda Will Host a Company’s 1st Small-Scale Nuclear Reactor Testing Carbon- Free Energy Approach | September 13, 2023 | Rwanda’s atomic energy board says it has signed a deal with a Canadian-German company to build its first small-scale nuclear reactor to test what the company claims is a new approach for nuclear.