The future of nuclear power depends upon several factors. One of these factors is the use of small module reactor (SMR) for electricity generation and for other non-electric applications. Several prototypes of SMR are under development in several countries, but only four of them at this moment are under construction in three countries. This type of nuclear power reactor will receive the approval of the public opinion of those countries thinking to expand or to introduce nuclear energy for electricity generation in the coming years and will allow the construction of this type of reactor in their countries? Which are these countries?
In my opinion, I do not see a widespread use of SMRs. The price of nuclear energy is strongly influenced by the price of safety measures, necessary maintenance according to the state of research and technology and the problem of nuclear waste. Neither of these factors can probable be reduced at the same scale as the size of the reactor. The idea that costs can be be reduced due to mass production sounds intriguing, but not conclusive to me.
Hello,
I guess that the near future energy security situation will define the shape of the future energy mix. The use of nuclear power and the widespread of MNR depend on many factors, such as
1. The real reserves of fossil fuels,
2. The possibility of finding techno-economically feasible energy storage for bulk energy production from variable renewables.
If the 2nd point is achieved, then the contribution of the nuclear energy may be minor due to the reasons mentioned by Erik Strub. Otherwise, the nuclear power seems to be an essential source of energy.
Only when commercially proven prototypes are available, SMRs will be deployed in some countries. SMRs are considered by newcomers or private utilities willing to reduce the risk and the upfront investment and are keen to exploit learning and prefabrication.
Dear Mohannad,
Many thanks for your contributions, but according to public information that I have, there are more countries interested in the use of the SMRs.
@Jorge Morales Pedraza: This is a very interesting list, but obviously it comprises all different types of reactors (fusion, generation IV concepts, SMRs, wasteburners, ...) in very different stages.
The purpose of the list to show that not only the UK and the USA are interested in the use of SMR in the coming years, but Argentina, Russia, India, South Korea, Canada, South Africa, China, among other countries, are also interested in the use of SMR in the future.
Dear Jorge Morales Pedraza,
What is the date of the document entitled Reactors per countries.docx? Please also mention its source for citing it in case I need to do so.
The information included in the table was collected by Third Way Infographic using information compiled by the World Nuclear Asssociation, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. The table was published by The Global Race for Advanced Nuclear in 2017 (www.thirdway.org/infographic/the-global-race-for-advanced-nuclear)
Many of developing countries are potential newcomers to consider SMR option.
I think, it must be coutry, which widely used peesfull nuclear energy. May be like Ukraine. But, with more progressive economic.
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