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Comparative Study | Power Engineering | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1156 - 1163 | India
Small Modular Reactors: Powering the World
Abstract: Several world governments have announced policies to decommission their fossil-fired plants (FFPs) in the coming years, with the goal of eliminating all FFPs by 2070. Governments must now establish policies for the large-scale deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Apart from technical considerations, financial support is also essential. Because FFPs currently account for approximately 57% of global electricity production, alternative power generation must be planned urgently. The principal alternative sources to fill this gap appear to be solar and nuclear energy. Solar power is suitable for meeting agricultural and domestic demands but is limited in geographic reach. Significant efforts have been made to install large-capacity nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the range of 700 MWe to 1,650 MWe using proven designs. However, their rates of installation may not be sufficient to meet the expected growth in electricity demand as coal-fired units are retired. To address the near-term shortfall, SMRs rated from approximately 40 MWe to 300 MWe are under global consideration. Large NPPs and SMR units should operate in tandem, not in competition. Large NPPs are best suited for base-load generation, while SMRs are well positioned to serve peaking loads. Large NPPs must be located at remote sites and must provide for Exclusion Zones, Protective Action Zones, and Emergency Response Zones. SMRs, which are intended for siting near populated areas, must achieve the same level of protection through Exclusion Zones alone. These differences in safety requirements between NPPs and SMRs constitute major design and regulatory challenges. This paper presents the types of SMR designs currently under development, including their status in the design, construction, and operational phases in various countries. Given the nascent stage of SMR development, design and safety regulatory criteria are still evolving. The paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of deploying advanced SMR units, as well as the associated technological challenges. Comparisons between SMRs and large-capacity NPPs in the context of India are also included. Enabling technologies such as 3D modelling, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, which enhance safety and supply-chain management, are also addressed.
Keywords: Small Modular Reactors, Renewable Energy, Coal-Fired Plants, Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs)
How to Cite?: B. B. Narang, S. P. Singh, "Small Modular Reactors: Powering the World", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1156-1163, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26709122959, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26709122959