Amazon notes that X-Energy’s SMRs should be smaller, faster to deploy, and cheaper to operate than conventional pressurized water reactors. This is a common argument in support of the miniaturized nuclear power plants, but it’s worth noting that the tech hasn’t actually been proven out. In fact, higher-than-expected operating costs have already doomed one early SMR project.

The whole things sounds like a US oligarch’s pet project that’s driven by “vibes” as opposed to a conservative business plan and technology viability analysis.

Sounds great! What could possibly go wrong?