About
Small Modular Reactors
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are nuclear fission reactors that are smaller than conventional reactors. The term “small” in the context of SMRs refers to design power output.
Small modular reactors have a power output of less than 300 MWe. The term “modular” in the context of SMRs refers to its scalability and to the ability to fabricate major components of the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) in a factory environment and then transported them to the site.
Key characteristics:
Modularity
Improved safety
Easier construction
“Small”
The term “small” in small modular reactors (SMRs) refers to the size of the reactor, which is smaller than traditional, large-scale nuclear reactors. SMRs are typically designed to have a capacity of less than 300 megawatts (MW), with some designs having a capacity as low as 1 MW. In contrast, traditional nuclear reactors can have a capacity of several thousand MW.
The small size of SMRs allows them to be more flexible and versatile than traditional nuclear reactors. SMRs can be used to supply power to remote areas, to supplement the power supply of an existing grid, or to power industrial processes. The smaller size also allows SMRs to be factory-made and transported to the site, which can help reduce construction costs and time. Additionally, because of their smaller size, SMRs can be designed with enhanced safety features, making them potentially safer than larger reactors.
