52.97% are Aware of the Plans to Build the New ‘Natrium’ SMRs

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have partnered to build what the nuclear industry calls small modular reactors (SMRs). Subsequently, this is in the quest for the perfect carbon-free energy source. In fact, the Natrium technology is one of the fastest and lowest-cost paths to advanced clean energy. Thus, it can bring change to the world.

Also, Kemmerer in Wyoming is the preferred site for the Natrium nuclear power plant demonstration project. Specifically, with a sodium fast reactor, thermal energy storage, and flexible power production, it offers carbon-free energy at a competitive cost. More so, it is ready to integrate seamlessly into electric grids with high levels of renewable energy. Real Research published a survey on this matter. Here are the results.

Highlights

● 52.97% are aware of the Natrium power plant project in the western U.S. state of Wyoming.
● The positive effect brought by the Natrium project is that it creates new jobs (27.83%).
● 50.79% are ‘Unsure’ if Nuclear power is better than renewable energy.

52.97% Are Aware of the Ongoing Natrium Power Project

The results for the Natrium project survey published on Real Research show that 52.97% are aware of the project. Meanwhile, 47.03% say that they are not aware. In detail, the Natrium project focuses on building small modular reactors (SMRs).

To add on, SMRs run on different fuels to traditional reactors, are regarded by some as a critical carbon-free technology. Even more, they can supplement intermittent power sources like wind and solar. In fact, states are striving to cut emissions that cause climate change. Moving on, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett building a nuclear reactor in Wyoming asks the motive for the project.

Respondents have diverse opinions on why the US is pushing for SMRs. To begin with, 24.99% say ‘The U.S. government believes that the U.S. nuclear industry is falling behind’. Additionally, 11.78% say ‘It is possible to generate a huge amount of electricity’. Also, 6.14% are for that ‘It is faster and cheaper to build than conventional power plants’. It can be an alternative solution to climate change as carbon dioxide is not emitted (5.28%).

The Natrium Project Creates Job Opportunities

Every project has negative and positive effects. Thus, Real Research asks what are the positive effects of the Natrium project. On this, Create new jobs (24.99%), and Potential use of energy source in various sectors (11.78%). Following after is, Activate local economy (6.14%) and Reclaim a former coal plant site (5.28%).

On another note, the survey on Bill Gates and Warren Buffett building a nuclear reactor in Wyoming faces opposition views. Since this is an experimental project, we must wait and see whether it will act as a ‘game changer’ compared to the existing nuclear power plants (32.35%). A catastrophe like the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan could happen again (10.86%). Building nuclear reactors while pursuing renewable energy is a contradiction (2.66%)

50.97% Are Unsure if Nuclear Energy Is Better Than Renewable Energy

There are ongoing debates regarding the Natrium nuclear reactor project. In detail, people want to know whether Nuclear energy is better than renewable energy. Therefore, Real Research asks the public what they think on this matter.

More than half of the respondents (50.97%) say ‘Unsure’. Yes, renewable energy that obtains power from nature is not constant as it is affected by the environment (34.89%). No, renewable energy is the safest of all (14.32%).

Lastly the surveys asks if the respondents are for or against the Natrium SMR project? On this, 62.23% say ‘For’ and 37.77% say ‘Against’.