Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)

 Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)

Efficient energy conservation is the new normal in the 21st century. To address this issue of sustainability, the world tends to approach the generation and utilization of energy in the most efficient formality. Nuclear power has been an exclusive candidate for the global power crisis amongst all other forms of conventional and non-conventional forms of generation. Today’s nuclear technology has enlightened the need of flexible power generation with the thriving evolution of SMRs- the compact and economical nuclear power resolution.

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors or SMRs are the latest evolutionary and innovative reactor designs with a wide range of users and applications to support the global interest of sustainability to replace the fast depreciating reserves of conventional fossil fuel. These are advanced technology reactors upto 300MW(e) per module that allow flexible operation in single or multi-module making it possible to combine nuclear power with other forms of energy generation.
SMR implementation has envisioned positive impacts on the safety, energy security, environmental outlook and the economy. The compact integral designs benefit the elimination of accident initiators. Large loop piping and external components are minimized in the primary circuit that enhances the safety from accidents such as loss of coolant. Reduced nuclear source term in turn reduces the shielding, site radius and emergency planning zone. This also benefits in a lower decay heat production that facilitates easier and efficient passive heat removal through the reactor vessel.
In addition to safety, the design benefits an adaptable fabrication and construction through its smaller physical size and modular structuring. Allows more in-factory fabrication and lesser on-site assembly, which enhances the quality standards of the equipment, reduces schedule uncertainties in assembly and the overall cost of transport and labour. The size also benefits easy access of transport to rural sites, which on the other hand supports the infrastructural development of the local community. Since the design is compact, it also facilitates increased domestic manufacturing of the individual components.

Furthermore, the SMRs have a beneficially smaller plant footprint. This enhances the resistance of the of the nuclear power system against external events, such as environmental disasters and attacks by terrorists for sabotage. The unit design allows multiple modules to be implemented on the same site and also has the potential for sub-grade implementation locations such as underground or underwater with better natural protection.
The most significant benefit of SMRs is the economic impact. The smaller size and shorter project completion time reduces the initial capital investments. In most circumstances, the cost is the main driving factor that decides the implementation. This lower project cost allows SMRs as an affordable option for the developing and low income countries where energy generation is a huge challenge. Although they will not benefit from economies of scale due to the smaller size, series construction will overpass it.

SMR technology has been found a prospective candidate for many applications apart of its main application of generating baseload electricity requirements. This includes district heating systems, portable water production-desalination, hydrogen production, and advanced energy conversion processes. Nearly, a 50 different SMR designs and concepts have been developed globally upto date, to undergo further R&D with testing. In 2016, the Nuclear Energy Agency carried out a study, ‘Small Modular Reactors: Nuclear Energy Market Potential for Near-Term Deployment’ that predicted a higher potential of up to 21GW of SMR technology that could be induced by 2035 which will count upto 3% of the globally installed nuclear capacity.
The predicted regulatory framework of the Small Modular Nuclear Reactors from construction, commissioning to decommissioning has been analyzed extensively by the authorities to allow flexible licensing. Cautious evaluation has been carried out to meet safety and environmental regulations that bypass its inherent advantages in the field.

Many countries have already decided on the implementation of SMRs by supporting the development of the technology in many ways. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is currently coordinating a joint response with the potential member nations to develop the SMR innovation to achieve a reliable and competitive base to benefit the overall energy distribution in the most efficient manner globally. Small Modular Nuclear Reactors have made the nuclear energy technology reach the global-unreachable!