Nucor and US-based NuScale Power Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore utilizing NuScale’s VOYGR small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) power plants as a power source in Nucor’s scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel mills.

The companies are also discussing the possibility of Nucor supplying its net-zero steel Econiq products, for NuScale projects.

Nucor describes Econiq as ‘the world's first net-zero steel at scale’, stating; "Econiq is not a single product; it is a net-zero certification, which can be applied to any product from Nucor's steel mills." The company said it achieves net-zero on Econiq products by using electricity from 100% renewable sources and by purchasing carbon offsets.

The two companies will evaluate site suitability, transmission interconnection capabilities and capital costs for the project, and study the feasibility of siting a manufacturing facility for NuScale Power Modules near a Nucor facility.

NuScale says its VOYGR power plants are ‘well-suited for industrial applications as a highly reliable source of carbon-free energy’. They are powered by the NuScale Power Module, a small, pressurised water reactor that can each generate 77 MWe or 250 MWt (gross), and can be scaled to meet customer needs through flexible configurations up to 924 MWe (12 modules) of output. NuScale’s design is the first and only SMR to be certified by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“We look forward to determining how our SMR technology can best serve Nucor’s sophisticated steelmaking operations and how our companies can work together to drive a more sustainable future."

John Hopkins, NuScale president and CEO

John Hopkins, NuScale president and CEO said: “We look forward to determining how our SMR technology can best serve Nucor’s sophisticated steelmaking operations and how our companies can work together to drive a more sustainable future."

''Not only will Nucor’s partnership with NuScale help pave the way for a zero-carbon energy future for our nation, but we will be building this new generation with the cleanest steel products made anywhere in the world.”

Leon Topalian, Nucor chair, president and CEO

Leon Topalian, Nucor Chair, president and CEO noted: “Not only will Nucor’s partnership with NuScale help pave the way for a zero-carbon energy future for our nation, but we will be building this new generation with the cleanest steel products made anywhere in the world.”

Source: Nuclear Engineering International