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Small Modular Reactor - Economic Impacts
In a recent Op-Ed from SRSCRO Chair, David Jameson, concerning the strategic agreement signed between the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and Hyperion Power for the potential deployment of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) at the Savannah River Site (SRS), he noted the following benefits to our community:
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Job creation
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Export of U.S. goods and service
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Benefits to national security and energy policy
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Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
To support this case, a new assessment of potential American jobs created by "development, manufacture, and deployment" of small modular reactors in the U.S. was unveiled on September 29, 2010 at a Center for Strategic & International Studies forum. The study was underwritten by the American Council on Global Nuclear Competitiveness. The study concludes that "development of a robust domestic SMR industry will result in significant economic benefits." The analysis was a collaborative effort by the Boise State University in conjunction with the University of New Mexico. According to the report:
"A prototypical SMR costing $500 million to manufacture and install on-site is estimated to create nearly 7,000 jobs and generate $1.3 billion in sales, $627 million in value-added, $404 million in earnings (payroll) and $35 million in indirect business taxes. In addition, the annual operation of each 100 MW SMR unit is estimated to create about 375 jobs and generate $107 million in sales, $68 million in value-added, $27 million in earnings (payroll) , and $9 million in indirect business taxes.... total economic impacts were determined to range from $200B - $400B."
As David pointed out in his remarks, our community has the chance to be a leader not just nationally but globally in this "most promising" technology. Based upon this economic impact report, the CSRA has a very bright future for potential new jobs and economic investments as the concept of a regional Energy Peak becomes a reality. For more information contact Rick McLeod. |
 The Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future (the Commission) was established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and as directed by the President's Memorandum for the Secretary of Energy dated January 29, 2010. The President directed that the Commission be established to conduct a comprehensive review of policies for managing the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle. The Commission will provide advice and make recommendations on issues including alternatives for the storage, processing, and disposal of civilian and defense spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste. The Commission is scheduled to submit a draft report to the Secretary of Energy in July 2011 and a final report in January 2012.
As previously reported, the SRSCRO invited the Commission to have a meeting in the CSRA. A letter from David Jameson, SRSCRO Chair, was sent June 24, 2010. The SRSCRO invitation was support by a Congressional Delegation letter sent on July 8, 2010, from Representative Barrow (D-GA) 12th, Representative Gresham Barrett (R-SC) 3rd, Representative Paul Broun (R-GA) 10th and Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) 2nd.
On September 22, 2010, Chairman General Scowcroft made the following statement during a press conference. "In January of next year, we will arrange visits to southeastern New Mexico to visit the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and to Georgia and South Carolina to learn more about the Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant and the Savannah River Site. As we have said before, we believe it is important for the Commission to hear from communities that have a large stake in solving the waste problems and, of course, we started with that at Hanford. We look forward to these visits."
We also look forward to the January visit and providing some southern hospitality. The SRSCRO will provide additional details about the upcoming visit as they become available, for more information contact Rick McLeod.
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Steering the NWI
Executive managers from eight nuclear employers met on October 8 to provide feedback and guidance for the Nuclear Workforce Initiative (NWI). The managers serve as the NWI Steering Committee to ensure that NWI projects are ultimately addressing long term employer needs.
SRSCRO Board Members, who serve on the Nuclear Workforce Task Force, provided updates on eight months of activities and impacts that have occurred. During that time, four committees have formed and become actively focused on the goals set forth by the Steering Committee when it last met in January. Committees are comprised of employer, educator and economic development participants.
Committees have identified key critical areas for regional education and training development focus and established a unique dialogue among employers about local workforce trends. Concepts have been piloted in K-12 over the last months to gauge the interest and feasibility of more large scale projects.
Feedback from employers was focused on the importance and long-term value that NWI can bring to K-12 programs by introducing nuclear career paths to students and parents. Using recommendations from the Steering Committee, the NWI is positioned to move forward with projects rooted in the needs of employers.
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SRSCRO Spotlight |
Danny Black
President of the Southern Carolina Regional Development
Alliance
Danny Black was originally appointed by Congressman Floyd Spence to represent South Carolina on the Savannah River Regional Diversification Initiative Committee in 1993(currently the SRSCRO). Mr. Black has served as SRSCRO Board member since. He currently serves on the Executive Committee, Land Use - Energy Park Task Force, Regional Funding Plan Task Force, and theYucca Mountain Task Force.
Mr. Black has served as President of the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance since its inception in 1996, when he created the organization under Westinghouse's Loaned Executive Assistance Program.
Prior to the formation of the Alliance, Mr. Black was employed with Westinghouse-Savannah River Company and the Washington Group International Corporation.
Mr. Black has served on many Community and State Boards and Commissions, and served as a member of the Barnwell County Council for two terms, one as Chairman.
Mr. Black is a University of South Carolina graduate and resides in Barnwell with his wife, Debra. They are the proud parents of three grown children, with their youngest a sophomore at the University of South Carolina-Aiken.
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