In a step designed to accelerate the deployment of modular, scalable nuclear technology and boost economic development, NuScale Power LLC, and NuHub, an economic development initiative in Columbia, SC, will work together to pursue a small modular reactor project (SMR) at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.

The team’s proposal will integrate one or more utilities to assist NuScale in its Design Certification process with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and development of the Reference Construction & Operating Licensing Application (R-COLA).

As part of this agreement, NuScale will support efforts by NuHub to use this opportunity as a vehicle for economic development in the Columbia region and throughout South Carolina. NuHub, an initiative of EngenuitySC, will participate in NuScale’s application for an award under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) $452 million cost sharing program for Small Modular Reactor Licensing Technical Support.

“NuHub recognizes the importance of SMRs in meeting the need for clean energy in the Southeast region of the United States and around the world,” said Charles T. (Ted) Speth II, NuHub SMR Chair. “Commercial deployment of this technology also offers a powerful engine for economic growth through expansion of manufacturing and the establishment of higher education and training programs in engineering and power plant operations,” he said. “NuHub is pleased to be a part of the development of NuScale’s advanced and innovative new design.”

“Our ability to join forces with NuHub is a dramatic demonstration of the market interest in NuScale’s technology,” said Paul Lorenzini, chief executive officer and president of NuScale Power. “South Carolina already receives much of its electricity from nuclear power plants. The state and the Savannah River Site are ideally-suited for development of a NuScale SMR.”

In March, NuScale, the Savannah River Site (SRS) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to collaborate on the potential deployment of a nuclear power plant using NuScale’s technology at the site. NuScale has collaborated with SRNL and SRS for more than a year on the evaluation of the site for a small, modular reactor. Based on NuScale’s input, SRS has identified several locations on the 310 square-mile site that likely are suitable for project development.

DOE’s program is designed to accelerate the deployment of SMRs by providing cost sharing over five years for the licensing of up to two technologies. Applications for the awards are due May 21, 2012, and DOE expects to announce the awardees this summer.