What Are Small Modular Reactors?

Advantages of SMRs. Many of the benefits of SMRs are inherently linked to the nature of their design - small and modular.

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, which are often custom designed for a particular location, sometimes leading to construction delays.

In areas lacking sufficient lines of transmission and grid capacity, SMRs can be installed into an existing grid or remotely off-grid, as a function of its smaller electrical output, providing low-carbon power for industry and the population.

In comparison to existing reactors, proposed SMR designs are generally simpler, and the safety concept for SMRs often relies more on passive systems and inherent safety characteristics of the reactor, such as low power and operating pressure.

Power plants based on SMRs may require less frequent refuelling, every 3 to 7 years, in comparison to between 1 and 2 years for conventional plants.

What is the status of SMRs? Both public and private institutions are actively participating in efforts to bring SMR technology to fruition 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.

The SMR Regulators' Forum, created in March 2015, provides enabling discussions among countries and stakeholders to share SMR regulatory knowledge and experience.

The IAEA has established the Platform on SMRs and their Applications, a one-stop shop for countries to coordinate support related to all aspects of SMR development, deployment, oversight and their electric and non-electric applications, such as use in district heating and desalination systems.

The IAEA's Technical Working Group on Small and Medium Sized or Modular Reactors and the SMR Regulators' Forum unites experts to discuss challenges and share experiences related to the development and future deployment of SMRs. The IAEA fosters sustainable nuclear energy development. 

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-are-small-modular-reactors-smrs