What is a Small Modular Reactor?

Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs, are a type of nuclear reactor characterized by compact size, typically producing less than 300MW, and modular design. SMRs hold significant importance in the energy sector for several reasons. First, their smaller size allows for more flexible deployment, enabling power generation in remote areas or regions with limited grid infrastructure. Second, SMRs offer the potential for cost savings and reduced financial risk compared to traditional large-scale nuclear power plants, as their modular design allows for incremental capacity additions and more accessible financing. SMRs also have the potential to play a crucial role in decarbonizing the energy sector by providing low-carbon baseload power that complements intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.

 

A Short History of SMRs

The historical development of SMRs traces back to the early years of nuclear energy research and development. While the concept of smaller, more flexible nuclear reactors has been around for decades, concerted efforts to design and develop SMRs gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. 

In the 1970s, interest emerged in smaller nuclear reactor designs for various applications, laying the groundwork for SMR development. A significant milestone was the development of the Integral Fast Reactor concept in the U.S. in the 1980s. 

Several countries, including the U.S., Canada, Russia, China, and the U.K., developed SMRs in the 2000s to tackle challenges such as high costs, long construction times, and safety concerns in the nuclear industry. 

^{In the 2010s, several SMR designs advanced to licensing and demonstration stages.}