Advanced nuclear concepts currently in development have the potential for improved cost competitiveness, inherent safety, enhanced flexibility and deployability, more manageable waste streams, and increased proliferation resistance. Successful deployment of such technologies may dramatically alter the energy landscape of the future, and accelerating their development will be necessary so that they can meaningfully contribute to pressing global energy and environmental challenges. Various pathways may be pursued to catalyze the development, licensing, and eventual deployment of advanced nuclear: novel financing and investment arrangements, optimized regulatory frameworks, expedited material and fuel qualification, and developing viable demonstration projects. Technological innovation in advanced nuclear, such as the introduction of self-automated operations and increased power conversion efficiencies, may be key to revitalizing the domestic nuclear industry. With sustained federal support, both government agencies and advanced nuclear developers can work together in driving the innovation engine that can improve the economics of advanced nuclear and bring them more quickly to market.
