Could Nuclear Energy Be Coming To Eagle Mountain

Eagle Mountain planning commission during the October 10, 2024, meeting will be discussing the modification of Chapter 17.48.030 of city code. The modification of Chapter 17.48 would include adding Small Modular Reactors as permitted zones uses within an RTI Overlay Zone.

The RTI Overlay Zone in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a specific zoning district established by the city’s planning and zoning regulations. The RTI Overlay Zone stands for Research and Technology Innovation Overlay Zone. This zoning designation is intended to encourage the development of research, technology, and innovation-based industries in Eagle Mountain, aligning with the city’s goals to foster economic growth and diversify its economy. By establishing the RTI Overlay Zone, Eagle Mountain aims to attract businesses in fields like software development, biotechnology, engineering, and other emerging technologies. The goal is to create a hub of innovation and advanced industries, which could contribute to job creation and economic diversification for the region.

The proposed code change would allow these RTI Overlay Zones to include Small Modular Reactors or SMRs. An SMR is defined as a nuclear reactor that has a power output between 10 MWe and 300 MWe.¹ Their design prioritizes modularization, standardization, and factory-based construction for predictable and potentially cost-effective delivery.² SMRs are not merely scaled-down versions of large reactors; their small size allows for innovative safety features. An SMR can be built as a Micro Modulor Reactor (MMRs), which is an SMR that outputs below 10 MWe usually designed for off-grid locations.³ SMRs are built with Modular Construction in mind, using prefabricated modules in a “plug and play” approach.⁴

Challenges Posed by SMRs

Our research highlights several infrastructure challenges that a community might face when considering an SMR project. These challenges stem from the unique characteristics of SMR technology and its potential integration into existing systems.

One challenge on infrastructure would be Electric Grid integration. Adding SMR development to Eagle Mountain Utah could cause issues with grid capacity and stability, Eagle Mountain would need to have the ability to export or transmit the massive amounts of power that are generated by SMRs.⁵ It is suggested that before Eagle Mountain adapts development of SMRs within the city limits that it should have thorough studies done to assess the impact of an SMR on the stability and reliability of the grid, ensuring smooth integration and preventing potential disruptions, as noted by a Kutak Rock LLP and Scully Capital Services, Inc. in a 2017 U.S. Department of Energy study.⁶

A second challenge would be the transportation and logistics of having SMRs in Eagle Mountain. Eagle Mountain is already having transportation issues. The modular design of an SMR requires movement of large components from manufacturing facilities to the construction site.⁷ It is suggested that there be sufficient road and rail access that is crucial for transporting the SMR modules and heavy equipment needed to build and support them.⁸ Transportation would also need to the ability to have specialized heavy lift cranes used for on-site assembly.⁹

There are also site-specific infrastructure considerations that need to be considered. Does Eagle Mountain have enough of a water supply to be used for SMR water-cooled designs?¹⁰ Eagle Moutain is already predicted to run out of water by 2049, will this speed up that depletion? Eagle Mountain, and Cedar Valley is also in a potential seismic area. SMRs are usually designed and constructed to withstand potential seismic activity¹¹, but a study should be done for Eagle Mountain to see if an SMR can be safely developed in the Cedar Valley.

And lastly, if SMRs are allowed in Eagle Mountain will the perception of nuclear safety hurt the local economy and perception of Eagle Mountain? Nuclear power has been seen as a dangerous option for producing power, especially in highly populated areas. Will Eagle Mountain suffer negative impacts from residents and possible future residents. There are numerous public perception concerns that will have to be overcame. Public Safety¹² concerns, historical events like the accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl have contributed to public anxiety about nuclear safety. Waste management concerns¹³, as the publics skepticism about the long-term safety of nuclear waste disposal. Economic concerns¹⁴ will also be an issue. With the push to go green, there is now a perception that SMRs are seen as more expensive than alternatives like fossil fuels (coal) or renewables (solar and wind). Another big hurdle is the trust in the Institutions that are given permission to develop SMRs. Public confidence¹⁵ in the companies, regulatory bodies, and government agencies responsible for developing and overseeing nuclear projects will be a major concern. If individuals don’t trust the industry and those who approve it, then they will not trust living in Eagle Mountain.

Possible Positive Community Impacts from SMR Development

Our research provided several insights into the potential impact of an SMR on a growing rural community like Eagle Mountain, Utah. These impacts span economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Some economic impacts seen from SMR development may include job creation, business development, tax revenue, and revitalization of existing infrastructure. The last item would happen only if Eagle Mountain did have infrastructure to revitalize.

SMR construction and operation would create employment opportunities in Eagle Mountain. The labor intensity of nuclear projects, especially during the construction phase, could offer a significant boost to local economies. SMRs also require specialized skills, potentially leading to the development of a skilled workforce within the community. SMR projects would generate tax revenue for the local government, potentially funding infrastructure improvements and community development initiatives. Maybe a rec center would be seen in the future of Eagle Mountain.

Some positive social impacts may include population growth and eventual improved public services. The job opportunities and economic activity generated by an SMR could attract new residents to a Eagle Mountain, leading to population growth, something that residents may be already opposed to. Increased tax revenue from an SMR project could allow the local government to enhance public services, such as education, healthcare, and public safety. This could improve the overall well-being of the community.

Conclusion

An SMR could have significant positive impacts on Eagle Mountain, fostering economic growth, improving public services, and contributing to a cleaner environment. However, addressing potential challenges related to public perception, workforce development, and infrastructure is essential for successful and sustainable deployment. Early and ongoing community engagement is crucial to ensure that the project aligns with community needs and priorities. It will be essential for Eagle Mountain staff and elected officials to have early and ongoing transparent and open dialogue on the subject. To minimize negative perception, it will be crucial to have education and outreach programs between stakeholders and residents. The projects will need to demonstrate safety, efficiency, and economic viability. But the biggest hurdle, may be overcoming legacy issues such as acknowledging past mistakes with the nuclear industry, by demonstrating learning from past experiences and the implantation of enhanced safety.

---

Footnotes

1. Locatelli, Giorgio, Chris Bingham, and Mauro Mancini. “Small Modular Reactors: A Comprehensive Overview of Their Economics and Strategic Aspects.” Progress in Nuclear Energy 73 (2014): 75–85. ↩︎
2. NEA. Small Modular Reactors: Challenges and Opportunities. France: OECD, 2021. ↩︎
3. et al. ↩︎
4. et al. ↩︎
5. Locatelli et al. ↩︎
6. Kutak Rock LLP and Scully Capital Services, Inc. Small Modular Reactors: Adding to Resilience at Federal Facilities. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy, 2017. ↩︎
7. Locatelli et al. ↩︎
8. NEA et al. ↩︎
9. NEA et al. ↩︎
10. Kutak et al. ↩︎
11. NEA et al. ↩︎
12. NEA et al. ↩︎
13. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The Future of Nuclear Power. Cambridge, MA: MIT, 2003. ↩︎
14. MIT et al. ↩︎
15. NEA. The NEA Small Modular Reactor Dashboard: Second Edition. France: OECD, 2024. ↩︎

Other Sources

• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. “Small Modular Reactor Readiness – 4 Pillars.” Accessed October 9, 2024. https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/reactors/smr/readiness.cfm.
• European Commission. “Horizon Europe.” Accessed June, 2018. https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/find-funding/horizon-europe_en.
• European Commission. “Small Modular Reactors.” Accessed April 27, 2023. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/nuclear-energy/small-modular-reactors_en.
• European Commission. Horizon Europe: Investing to Shape Our Future. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2020.
• International Atomic Energy Agency. Access Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power. Vienna: IAEA, 2024.
• Kutak Rock LLP and Scully Capital Services, Inc. Examination of Federal Financial Assistance in the Renewable Energy Market: Implications and Opportunities for Commercial Deployment of Small Modular Reactors. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy, [2017?].
• NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency). 2023 NEA Annual Report. France: OECD, 2024.
• NEA. Fourth International Workshop on the Indemnification of Damage in the Event of a Nuclear Accident: Workshop Proceedings, Lisbon, Portugal, 8-10 October 2019. France: OECD, 2024.

Photo: NuScale Power Reactors. ©NuScale Power, LLC, All Rights Reserved –Advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) | Department of Energy