Plans for the first small modular reactors (SMRs) to be constructed in the U.S. have been put into motion. Holtec International has launched its Mission 2030 program to install its SMR-300 technology in Covert Township, Michigan, with a target of 2030 for first commercial operation.

Two SMRs-will be co-located with the existing 800 MW Palisades plant, which is slated to restart after an extended outage following shutdown in 2022. The project marks the start of a collaboration with Hyundai Engineering & Construction to build 10 GW of SMR-300s in North America through the 2030s.

The SMR-300 is an advanced, passively safe, pressurized light water nuclear power plant designed to produce 300 MW of power. The advanced Generation 3+ reactor uses gravity as the motive force to run its safety systems earning the “walk-away safe” designation. In addition to building these plants, Holtec intends to service them throughout their operational life, safely manage the spent fuel and decommission them at the end of life.

The company has also entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the state of Utah and Hi Tech Solutions, a Washington-based nuclear services provider, to collaborate in the deployment of SMR-300s in Utah and the broader Mountain West region. A permanent training facility will be developed in Utah by 2028 to focus on operations, maintenance and future technologies.