A Comparative Study of Nuclear Reactor Standardization Policy in the United States and France

Abstract

As the United States moves to reduce its carbon footprint, nuclear energy has become an essential energy alternative to fossil fuels. The current U.S. nuclear fleet is aging and will soon be decommissioned, so building new reactors is essential for U.S. energy production needs. In building a new generation of nuclear reactors, the United States may consider looking to France for inspiration. France's reactor fleet is highly standardized, meaning that there are only a few reactor designs. There are potential benefits and drawbacks to standardization in nuclear technology. Some scholars argue that a policy of standardization would lower the high costs of nuclear reactors, although others worry that standardization would eliminate innovation. An ideal regulatory scheme for the new fleet of reactors in the United States would include standardized reactors while using monetary and other incentives to continue nuclear innovation.