US-based NuScale Power and Associated Electric Cooperative (AEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 18 May to evaluate NuScale’s VOYGR power plants for potential deployment. AEC, based in Missouri, is owned by and provides wholesale power to six regional transmission cooperatives and their 51 local distribution cooperatives delivering electricity to 2.1 million people in Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and southeast Iowa.
While any implementation of NuScale’s SMR technology will depend on subsequent agreements, under the MOU, AEC and NuScale will work together to evaluate NuScale’s US Nuclear Regulatory Commission-approved design as a part of AEC’s due diligence to explore reliable, responsible sources of energy, the announcement noted.
David J Tudor, AEC CEO and General Manager, noted: “Our first goal is to make sure we understand and thoroughly evaluate the pros and cons of NuScale’s small modular reactors, including how it may fit with the generation strategy and priorities of our cooperative.”
