The Future is Compact: Current Status and Potential Applications of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

In recent years, one of the most promising developments in the field of nuclear energy has been the advent of small modular reactors (SMRs). They hold significant potential to address some of the primary issues facing nuclear power, including cost, scalability, and safety. However, as with any emerging technology, SMRs face challenges, and the road to commercialization is not straightforward.

What are SMRs?

SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of less than 300 megawatts (MW), much smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, which often have a capacity of over 1000 MW. For example, NuScale Power, an Oregon-based company, plans to build SMR modules with a capacity of less than 100 MW.

The Promise of SMRs

The smaller size of SMRs could offer significant benefits. For one, they could be quicker and cheaper to build. The cost overruns and delays that often plague larger nuclear projects could be mitigated by the smaller scale and standardized designs of SMRs. The smaller size also means that the land requirement is much less – NuScale's SMR project, for example, is projected to require just 65 acres of land, compared to over 3000 acres for a traditional nuclear plant.

Moreover, SMRs are designed to be safer than traditional reactors, with simpler cooling and emergency shutdown systems. They could also potentially help combat climate change by replacing fossil fuel-powered plants.

Current Status

Despite these potential advantages, SMRs are still largely in the development phase, with the first commercial SMRs only recently receiving design approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NuScale, which started working towards regulatory approval in 2008 and submitted its application in 2016, has received final approval for its reactor design, making it the first SMR to clear this hurdle.

However, this doesn't mean they can start construction right away. NuScale recently discovered that its reactors could be more efficient, capable of producing 77 MW instead of 50 MW. This design adjustment means they need to resubmit their plans to the NRC, which could take up to two years for approval.

The Road Ahead

NuScale initially planned to have its first power plant in Idaho operational by 2026, but this timeline has been pushed back to 2029. Costs are also rising, partly due to inflation and the inherent complexity of pioneering projects like this. The estimated price of electricity from the Idaho plant project has increased from $58 per MWh to $89, making it more expensive than most other current electricity sources, including solar, wind, and natural gas.

While the development of SMRs is showing progress, it's important to understand that the path to broad adoption will be a marathon, not a sprint. The journey is fraught with technical, regulatory, and economic challenges that need to be overcome. However, the potential benefits of SMRs - especially in terms of climate change mitigation and energy security - make them a promising area of research and development in the energy sector.

SMRs could be instrumental in diversifying the energy mix and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient power system. This, combined with their potential for safer operation and lower upfront costs, makes them a promising technology for the future of nuclear power.

However, further technological advances, regulatory streamlining, and economies of scale will be needed before SMRs can become a widespread solution. In the meantime, ongoing research and development efforts, as well as supportive policies and investments, will be critical to achieving these goals.

References:

We were promised smaller nuclear reactors. Where are they? | MIT Technology Review​