Title: Realising small modular reactors, issues of concern to developing countries: what we understand from published literature

Authors: K.L. Ramakumar

Addresses: Nuclear Controls & Planning Wing, Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai 400001, India

Abstract: Advantages and benefits of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in terms of modularity, economy, augmented/inherent nuclear safety and security features and mitigating climate change effects have been assessed from the perspective of a developing country willing to invest in SMR. Further, how these 'advantages/benefits' impact nuclear safeguards, an important pillar of non-proliferation regime has also been studied. An attempt has been made in this paper to reassess the potential of SMRs from different perspectives and identify challenges, if any in deploying these reactors particularly in developing countries. The parameters considered for assessment are the 'benefits/advantages', safety and security attributes as well as siting of these reactors in countries with established nuclear infrastructure and in developing countries. In addition, feasibility of safeguards implementation is also considered. As the SMRs are still in the design stage, the reassessment may contribute to taking a fresh relook into all aspects of SMRs.

Keywords: small modular reactors; modularisation; safety; security; safeguards; developing countries; NWS; NNWS; regulatory requirements; SMR; IPWR; MSR; IAEA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNGEE.2021.116290

International Journal of Nuclear Governance, Economy and Ecology, 2021 Vol.5 No.1, pp.24 - 36

Received: 29 Jul 2020
Accepted: 20 Nov 2020
Published online: 16 Jul 2021 *

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