Nuclear energy produced by small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, which can be easily installed and relocated, are gaining traction across the world, with China and Eastern Europe leading the way in new builds and projects under development according to a Cleantech Group report.
Certain SMR models work like conventional pressurized light water nuclear reactors, but are smaller, allowing them to be partially built in one location and shipped to another. Such reactors offer a virtually carbon free, stable, base load energy alternative to renewables, such as solar and wind, and have distinct advantages in certain settings especially in regions with limited wind and solar.
As per the press release, with stable, on-site power, SMRs can be deployed in areas where grid or transmission infrastructure is limited or unavailable. Use cases range from decarbonising construction sites to coal mines, but even data centres and chemical manufacturing facilities are considering the option, with Dow Chemical among large companies exploring the potential of SMR technologies with X-Energy.
Still, SMRs and even smaller ‘micro’ reactors face challenges. Relatively high CAPEX costs, long licensing timelines, supply chain concerns, safety issues, and disposal of nuclear waste, among other things, require efficient solutions.
“Innovation remains the key driver, with Gen IV reactors advancing the case for SMRs across multiple fronts, including cost and safety,” said Zainab Gilani, Cleantech Group Associate, Energy and Power. “The fourth-generation technology further shrinks the size of reactors, while also raising performance benchmarks,” she added.
“There are multiple use cases for SMRs. Larger projects will have to prove they can compete with renewables on cost, and that builds can be completed on time and on budget, while other SMR applications may be more niche to displace expensive incumbent solutions like diesel generators,” said Gilani.
