Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

Literally, it means small modular reactors. However, a more complete definition can be obtained by analyzing each word:

• "Small" is because they are nuclear reactors with a power output of 300 MWe or less.
• "Modular" refers to a single reactor or module that can be grouped with other modules to form a larger nuclear power plant. Furthermore, this characteristic allows them to be manufactured and built in a dedicated facility and then transported to the site. This creates the possibility of mass production.

What are the advantages?

Its advantages compared to other nuclear power plants of higher power are as follows:

What are the disadvantages?

All those related to technology at the beginning of its implementation such as:

Can they be a real option for a region or country in the future?

Yes, they are an emerging technology that can play an important role in a country's energy strategy to meet the global increase in energy demand that will result from population growth and the expansion of the world's development needs.

Currently, there are approximately 50 SMR designs in various stages of development for both power production and other applications and some are simplified versions of existing reactors while others are based on entirely new technologies.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the first commercial SMR reactor will be in operation in the early 2020s, taking into account the state of current SMR designs, engineering, and licensing process.

In this regard, the IAEA has launched an initiative to expand its cooperation and ensure international coordination in the design, development, and commissioning of small modular reactors. To this end, it has formed a technical working group composed of representatives from 20 IAEA Member States (SMR Regulators' Forum) and non-member States to coordinate their SMR activities and provide a forum for them to share information and knowledge.

Other SMR applications

In the image, a temperature scale can be seen. At the top of the scale, the type of SMR reactor according to the temperature range in which they can operate and, at the bottom of the scale, the different applications, also according to temperature, in which one of the SMRs indicated at the top can be used.

What types of SMRs are there?

For this information, visit this database created by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), called ARIS (Advanced Reactors Information System).