Opinions divided over Small Modular Reactor site in Oak Ridge

TVA is planning to build two 180-megawatt small modular reactors on the Clinch River in Oak Ridge. (Rendering by Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy)
TVA is planning to build two 180-megawatt small modular reactors on the Clinch River in Oak Ridge. (Rendering by Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy)

OAK RIDGE - Opinion is closely divided on the Small Modular Reactor proposed for a Clinch River site by the Tennessee Valley Authority, judging by comments at a required public meeting held Monday.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission held the comment session,which drew about 80 persons to the afternoon session, as a requirement of its environmental review for permitting the reactor.

Officials from TVA and NRC stressed that a decision is a long way off, if it ever comes since there is no Small Modular Reactor design yet approved by the NRC and limited demand for additional base load power generation.

Read more from our news partners at the Knoxville News Sentinel: http://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/2017/05/16/public-talk-clinch-reactor-plan/320319001/

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