BOISE, Idaho , Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTC:AEHI; www.aehipower.com ) today announced the company is exploring the use of small modular reactors (SMR) on its proposed nuclear power plant site in Payette County, Idaho . These designs have progressed to the point of consideration now as they have gotten much closer to the Federal approval stage.

SMRs range between 45 and 220 MWe and because of their modular and easily expandable design, their implementation can be very flexible based on future energy needs.

"This would not necessarily replace our plans to build a large-scale reactor on the proposed site, but there may be an opportunity to build one or more years in advance of the larger reactor. If accomplished, it could mean the company would be producing power much more quickly, assuming the SMRs can obtain the required certification in the next few years. There may also be other opportunities to place these SMRs on other potential western sites," said Don Gillispie , AEHI CEO.

There are a number of advantages to using an SMR design. They are scalable, most modular reactor systems are factory manufactured in North America , they have superior safety features, construction timeframe is much quicker, and they require a smaller up front capital investment.