Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear fission reactors that are smaller than conventional nuclear power plants (typically producing less than 300 MWe). Their 'modular' design allows them to be manufactured in factories and transported to a site for assembly. SMRs are designed to be safer, more flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional large-scale reactors.
The concept of small nuclear reactors dates back to the early days of nuclear energy, primarily for military applications like submarine propulsion. However, the commercial concept of SMRs gained traction in the 2000s and 2010s as a solution to the high capital costs and long construction times of traditional nuclear plants. The IAEA and various national governments have since supported their development.
SMRs are seen as a key component of the future clean energy mix, capable of providing reliable baseload power to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar. Several designs are currently in the licensing or construction phase in countries like the US, Canada, China, and Russia. They offer potential applications beyond electricity generation, such as desalination and industrial heat.