The Tribune’s View: Callaway
Late last week, Ameren Missouri and Westinghouse announced a project Gov. Jay Nixon said could transform the state’s economy.
Ameren and Westinghouse will apply for $462 million in federal funding to develop a new breed of smaller modular nuclear reactor that would generate up to 225 megawatts of electric power instead of the 1,000 plus put out by larger models in use now, such as the type on line at Callaway I.
If the project goes forward at least one new reactor would be installed at the Callaway site. Westinghouse indicates it also will manufacture reactors at the site.
The smaller units are a breakthrough allowing quicker, less expensive generating development. Smaller reactors can be installed in tandem to develop larger output. Ameren will request permission to add as many as five at the site.
Adding to the excitement, Westinghouse says it wants to collaborate with UM campuses in Columbia and Rolla to further develop and demonstrate the technology. The company cites strong nuclear engineering and research programs at UM. The university could benefit greatly from this unique collaboration.
MU nuclear science recently has been shrouded in controversy stemming from a decision by Graduate Dean George Justice to phase out the graduate level Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute. Administrators postponed the closing until all current students graduate from the program. The announcement by Westinghouse prompts new calls for strengthening NSEI instead of starting over. Justice & Co. think reorganization has benefits and won’t harm program results. The jury remains out. Westinghouse probably will not care exactly how nuclear engineering is organized on the campuses so long as faculties, programs and facilities remain strong.
Westinghouse and Ameren seem to be the best applicants in the United States for this new smaller unit approach, which has political as well as scientific advantages. Chances are good the grants will come through and the demonstration project at Callaway will be built, but it will take time — as long as 10 years before power will be generated. As long as progress is made, all hands should stay hitched to the wagon. Callaway II can provide a host of good jobs during construction and forever after as clean power is generated.
HJW III
-Henry J. Waters III
