Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. SMRs are characterized as below:
- Small
– physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
- Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for assembly and installation.
- Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
SMRs have several potential benefits, ranging from improved safety features, such as passive safety systems that rely on the natural laws of physics, to shut down and cool the reactor during abnormal conditions, better financing options due to reduced construction schedules, lower investment needs, fewer components and smaller plant footprint per unit.
Given their smaller footprint, SMRs can be sited on locations not suitable for larger nuclear power plants. Prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured and then shipped and installed on site, making them more affordable to build than large power reactors.
Both public and private institutions are actively participating in efforts to bring SMR technology to wide imlementation within this decade. Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first floating nuclear power plant that began commercial operation in May 2020, is producing energy from two 35 MW(e) SMRs. Other SMRs are under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States of America.
At the same time, challenges still exist in validating the business case for SMRs, assuring predictable and streamlined licensing processes and frameworks, developing global supply chains to ensure profitability, identifying suitable nuclear sites and achieving transparent dialogue between the concerned stakeholders.
