The University of Missouri and Missouri S&T entered a partnership with Westinghouse Electric Company to determine safety guidelines for small modular nuclear reactors.
This research supports a proposal from Westinghouse and Ameren Missouri that seeks $452 million in Department of Energy grants to build a small nuclear reactor near Fulton. The reactor could bring 400 jobs to mid-Missouri and would power 45,000 homes. Missouri has the potential to become a hub of small reactor manufacturing and distribution.
Westinghouse spokesperson Sarah Barczyk said it made sense to partner up with theUM systembecause of its accomplishments in the nuclear field.
"They’ve already proven themselves an institution with a vision and strategic direction that will lead to positive change in the nuclear energy industry," Barczyk said.
Small modular reactors are built underground and are safer than conventional nuclear reactors.