CFACT advisor and nuclear physicist Kelvin Kemm testifies in Maine

On 13 March, nuclear physicist Dr Kelvin Kemm, gave testimony to the State Legislature of Maine. The issue on hand was the introduction of small modular nuclear reactors into the State of Maine.

Two bills were introduced by Representative Reagan Paul concerning the SMR issue.

Dr  Kemm pointed out that since the Russian incursion into Ukraine, Europe had suddenly discovered how poor its energy security really was. For some time, Europe has been heavily dependent on Russian gas. The result of this realization is a sudden response, on the part of Europe, to ensure energy security. That has resulted in them realizing how much they need nuclear power, particularly Small Modular Reactors.

One reason why Small Modular Reactors are so important is that they can be easily placed in various different geographical locations. He pointed out that large reactors today are up to sizes of 1500 MW, whereas SMR’s are defined as being below 300 MW. Dr Kemm said that the idea of SMR’s was not to replace large reactors but to add to them, to provide flexibility.  The idea being that the smaller reactors can be under the control of the State, or a Municipality, or even an industrial cluster.

This allows for the decentralization of electricity production, thereby adding to security of the system, but also distributing ownership and control.

He stated unequivocally that the impetus from Europe means that nuclear will come about worldwide. There is no turning back. Furthermore, many other countries are showing interest in nuclear, such as many in Africa. The reactors that they are interested in are SMR’s frequently because they do not have a coastline or large body of water, and therefore cannot reasonably build large reactors. So, SMR technology and evolution is inevitable.

Dr Kemm then recommended that the State of Maine introduce the idea SMR’s as soon as possible, to avoid being left behind in this undoubted technological evolution.

He recommended that what is necessary right now is to introduce the idea of SMR’s into the State and to start preparing the necessary legislation, and various other pathways that need to be followed, as the immediate infrastructure unfolds.

He finished his remarks by noting that SMR’s are coming, no doubt about it, and so it is “better to be seen as a leader now rather than later trying to catch up as a follower.”