Small modular reactors (SMRs) are nuclear fission reactors that are a fraction of the size of conventional reactors. They can be manufactured at a plant and transported to a site to be installed. Modular reactors reduce on-site construction, increase containment efficiency, and enhance safety. The greater safety comes via the use of passive safety features that operate without human intervention. SMRs also reduce staffing versus conventional nuclear reactors. SMRs are claimed to cross financial and safety barriers that inhibit the construction of conventional reactors.
SMR designs range from scaled down versions of existing designs to generation IV designs. Both thermal-neutron reactors and fast-neutron reactors have been proposed, along with molten salt and gas cooled reactor models.
The main hindrance to commercial use is licensing, since current regulatory regimes are adapted to conventional designs. SMRs differ in terms of staffing, security and deployment time. One concern with SMRs is preventing nuclear proliferation. Licensing time, cost and risk are critical success factors. US government studies that evaluated SMR-associated risks have slowed licensing.
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