The next generation of nuclear power plants and the role of the local planner

ABSTRACT

This paper makes the case for urban planners to become active participants in discussions concerning the placement of next-generation nuclear power plants. Centered upon an evolving concept of creating small modular reactors (SMRs), these plants are now being created and tested at various sites. They are intended to be low carbon sources of energy. While extensive technical research on SMRs is ongoing, the planning community has been quiet about the local impacts that could occur from their placement. This paper offers a review of the attitudes toward nuclear power, the characteristics of SMRs and why planners should be involved.

KEYWORDS:

• Nuclear power
• plant closures
• government intervention

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).