David Solan

Carbon Free Energy Development and the Role of Small Modular Reactors: A Review and Decision Framework for Deployment in Developing Countries

Global energy demand is projected to continue to grow over the next two decades, especially in developing economies. An emerging energy technology with distinct advantages for growing economies is small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Their smaller size makes them suitable for areas with limited grid capacities and dispersed populations while enabling flexibility in generating capacity and fuel sources. They have the ability to pair well with renewable energy sources, the major source of increased energy capacity for many developing economies. Further advantages include their passive safety features, lower capital requirements, and reduced construction times. As a result, SMRs have potential for overcoming energy poverty issues for growing economies without increasing carbon emissions.

The EPAStat Quarterly Report and Lessons Learned

EPAStat is the first PerformanceStat system to be used at the agency level in the federal government. A short history of agency-level performance management systems compares EPAStat to its precursors at the Environmental Protection Agency. This study examines the development of EPAStat, particularly the measures used in its quarterly reporting system. The process behind measures selection is described and analyzed from the perspective of the principals, as are lessons learned. While there are common challenges and lessons learned among participants, there are clear differences between the headquarters offices and the regional offices in terms of how measures were selected, the types of metrics chosen, and the perceived worth of EPAStat as an agency-wide performance management system.