Jacopo Buongiorno

New Jersey is further committing to nuclear energy—which already represents 42% of its energy mix—by investing in the development of next-generation reactors, like small modular reactors. “Having nuclear already is a big factor, both in terms of direct workforce in nuclear, but also the army of accountants, lawyers, and on-site inspectors,” said MITEI Energy Systems Researcher Ruaridh Macdonald on the support offered by existing infrastructure.

Nuclear startup Core Power, MIT, and the Idaho National Laboratory were awarded funds to develop floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). “The value proposition is faster, cheaper, more versatile, and with a greater tolerance to loss of cooling events,” states Jacopo Buongiorno (Nuclear Science and Engineering) on the benefits of FNPPs.