Overview of Recent Department of Energy Efforts Supporting U.S. Micro-reactor Research, Development, and Deployment
Abstract: Microreactors represent an innovative class of nuclear reactors characterized by their simplicity of design, small footprints, inherent, and passive safety features, factory fabrication and assembly, highly integrated and transportable systems, and ability to provide energy for both electricity and process heat production. The Department of Energy (DOE) believes microreactors have the potential to address unique energy reliability and resiliency challenges for both commercial and defense applications including: electricity and process heat supplies for remote and off-grid communities and industrial locations; resilient and reliable energy supplies for remote and forward military bases; and reliable and clean electricity supplies for disaster and emergency relief operations. Many microreactor concepts under development in the United States anticipate commercial deployment within the next decade.
To support these deployment timelines, the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy’s (NE) Microreactor Research, Development, and Deployment (RD&D) Program manages national laboratory-led, early-stage research and technology development for microreactor systems and provides cost-shared support for microreactor vendor concept development and licensing activities. The program also coordinates efforts between the Department of Defense (DoD), industry, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the demonstration of microreactor technology on a DOE site. National laboratories supporting NE’s Microreactor RD&D Program include: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). In his presentation, Tom Sowinski, DOE Federal Manager for Microreactor RD&D, will provide an overview of current DOE engagements and activities supporting the technical, economic, and regulatory cases for U.S. microreactor deployment.
Bio: Tom Sowinski has served for the past six years as a federal program manager for the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE). In this role, Mr. Sowinski has led national programs in liquid metal-cooled fast reactor, advanced reactor licensing, and, most recently, micro-reactor research, development, and demonstration (RD&D). Prior to his federal career, Mr. Sowinski worked for several years in nuclear industry operations as a qualified nuclear engineer for Exelon’s Dresden Generating Station located in Morris, IL. Mr. Sowinski received his B.S. in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois in 2009 and is currently pursuing his graduate degree in nuclear engineering from North Carolina State University. Outside of his nuclear career, Tom actively serves as a volunteer firefighter/rescuer and emergency medical technician for Montgomery County, MD. Tom currently resides in Gaithersburg, MD with his wonderful wife, Sharon, and beautiful daughter, Stella.
