Boof,
I would imagine if it was used in an Alfa class submarine it would be capable of being load following. The problem is the loss of income for very little saving in fuel( U238 is almost free) when demand is less, like wind I am sure these reactors will be running at maximum possible power, whatever the electricity demand.

Do submarine reactors really follow power loads, or just dump heat into the seawater (which is a pretty big heat sink)? I'll ask my ex-navy nuclear engineer friend and return with an answer.

Yes, submarines go from full to minimum to full again in *minutes*. This is possible through the use of very effective neutron poison control and the use of highly enriched fuel.

David