Small Modular Reactors: Unlocking Deployment
by Seth Eaton, VP of Technology Innovation at Amentum
Click here to listen to the podcast episode “Small Modular Reactors: Unlocking Deployment)” on Spotify
Hello everyone, welcome to What the Tech?, our podcast where we explore how advanced engineering and technology solutions are shaping a more secure and vibrant future. This series is all about connecting you with the people, innovations, and big ideas that are transforming industries and solving our customers’ most pressing challenges.
For this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Ashley Isaak, our Engineering and Technology Executive Advisor, along with two of Amentum’s leading experts in nuclear energy: John Eschenberg, Senior Vice President for operations in our Energy and Environment business and leader of our Nuclear Center of Excellence, and Esther Barratt, Group Director in our International Energy business. Together, we dive into a timely and important topic, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology and how they can be deployed to meefuture global energy demands.
Why Small Modular Reactors Matter
Energy security, reliability, and decarbonization are at the forefront of conversations worldwide. With global electricity demand expected to double in the coming decades, driven by industrial growth, artificial intelligence, and the rise of energy-hungry data centers, nuclear power is re-emerging as a critical solution. SMRs offer a new, flexible model for nuclear generation: smaller, scalable, factory-built reactors that can be deployed faster, at lower cost, and in a wider range of locations than traditional nuclear plants.
As John and Esther explain, the potential for SMRs is immense. From supporting critical infrastructure and defense installations, to enabling renewable energy expansion, to powering remote regions or industrial applications, SMRs represent a transformative opportunity for both utilities and governments. And with more than 125 designs currently in development worldwide, several already breaking ground, the future of this technology is closer than many realize.
The Amentum Perspective
Amentum brings decades of nuclear experience across the full lifecycle. Design, licensing, construction, operations, and maintenance. Our global teams are helping customers navigate not only the technical challenges, but also the regulatory, financial, and workforce hurdles that must be overcome for widespread deployment.
This episode explores those realities, from the critical importance of securing investment and managing risk, to the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating design, construction, and operations. It’s a fascinating conversation about how SMRs can be deployed to drive global decarbonization, expand access to reliable power, and open entirely new possibilities for energy resilience.
Join the Conversation
I invite you to tune in and listen to this episode of What the Tech?. Whether you’re working in the energy industry, exploring the future of clean power, or simply curious about how nuclear technology is evolving, this conversation offers valuable insights into where the world is headed, and how Amentum is helping lead the way.
As always, if you have questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, stay curious.
