Our Work
Our work centers on the study of the application and feasibility of advanced nuclear reactors for Puerto Rico and the direct engagement with community and leadership.
The Study
NAP has completed the first comprehensive Preliminary Feasibility Study for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Microreactors for Puerto Rico. The study was led by Puerto Rican engineers who work in the U.S. nuclear industry, with the support of industry partners, national laboratories and local contributors. This Preliminary Feasibility Study aims to address critical questions specific to Puerto Rico. Economic and safety assessments will follow eventually. Our Study was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy. The topics covered in this Preliminary Feasibility Study include:
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Market conditions in Puerto Rico
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Technology assessment
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Public perception
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Grid assessment
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Legal and regulatory framework
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Financing, ownership and operation mechanisms
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Weighing the benefits and challenges for Puerto Rico
This is the first time a comprehensive evaluation is performed of SMRs and Microreactors relative to Puerto Rico's energy needs.
The Engagement
NAP's engagement focuses on educating about nuclear energy in a manner that facilitates the free exchange of information with the people of Puerto Rico. We trust that the people of Puerto Rico will learn about the technology and ultimately decide themselves whether to pursue it or not. We engage directly with the public and local contributors in Puerto Rico. This, in an effort to discuss the feasibility of SMRs and Micro Reactors to address Puerto Rico's energy needs.
Jesus Nunez, Eddie Guerra and Carmen Bigles present the potential of Advanced Nuclear Reactors. This is at the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, Government Commission, in support of House Resolution 1189; which seeks to evaluate the need and feasibility of Advanced Nuclear Reactors in Puerto Rico.
Bringing nuclear to the table
Angel Reyes, Jesabel Rivera and Eddie Guerra debate the pros and cons of nuclear energy at a public forum sponsored by the National Institute of Energy and Island Sustainability (INESI) at the University of Puerto Rico.
Embracing Challenging Conversations
Eddie Guerra discusses the technological advances of SMRs and Microreactors with Mayors in Puerto Rico. Mayors shared lessons learned from Hurricane Maria. Mayors also stressed the urgent need to empower communities from the perspective of an emergency response and energy resilience & reliability.
Engaging Mayors
In collaboration with Generation Atomic, Jesabel Rivera presents NAPs community engagement efforts at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the role of Puerto Rican engineers in our initiative. Jesabel shared lessons learned on applying community engagement practices from the health sector vs doing so with general public on the science behind nuclear energy.
Training other Advocates
NAP and the feasibility study team presented the results of the study at an open forum at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. This event was open to the public and free of charge.
Sharing the Knowledge
NAPs feasibility study team shares the results of the Preliminary Feasibility Study with the author of House Resolution 1189; which seeks to evaluate the need and feasibility of Advanced Nuclear Reactors in Puerto Rico.
Engaging with Policymakers
NAP members present at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez about NAPs efforts in studying the Alternative of Advanced Nuclear Reactors for Puerto Rico.
Starting with the Community
Jesus Nunez presents at the Mega Viernes Civil in Puerto Rico about the seismic resiliency of Puerto Rico's current energy infrastructure. The Mega Viernes Civil is organized by Puerto Rico's College of Engineers and Surveyors (CIAPR).
Connecting with Local Engineers
Jesabel Rivera served as a panelist at the Hispanic Legislators Forum celebrated in December 2019 in San Juan, PR. Jesabel engaged with the public on nuclear benefits and challenges for Puerto Rico. She also addressed near term actions needed to engage community and have them join the conversation.
Advocating for Nuclear
A group of 11 canvassers surveyed more than 3,000 residents all around Puerto Rico regarding nuclear energy as a potential alternative to the islands' energy needs. Results from the survey showed that 94% of residents interviewed approve of the idea to keep exploring this alternative for Puerto Rico
Consulting with the Community
NAPs feasibility study team presented the results of the Preliminary Feasibility Study to INDUNIV in Puerto Rico. INDUNIV is a 30 year old organization that advocates for Puerto Rico's pharmaceutical industry competitiveness. INDUNIV brings together the local pharmaceutical industry, government and the academia.
Informing the Manufacturing Industry
NAPs members met with Rear Admiral Peter Brown at the White House to share our initiative to study the option of advanced nuclear reactors in Puerto Rico. Rear Admiral Brown is tasked to oversee Puerto Rico's reconstruction and recovery.