Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
Many of the advantages of SMRs are related to their design: they are small and modular. Given their small footprint, SMRs can be placed in locations that are not suitable for larger nuclear power plants. Prefabricated SMR units can be manufactured in advance and then shipped and installed on site, making them more affordable to build than large reactors, which are often designed specifically for a specific site, sometimes leading to construction delays. SMRs can save on construction costs and time, and they can be deployed gradually to meet growing energy demand.
One of the barriers to expanding energy access is infrastructure – limited grid coverage in rural areas – and the cost of connecting to the grid to electrify these areas. No single power plant should account for more than 10% of the total installed capacity of the grid. In areas where there is insufficient transmission and grid capacity, SMRs can be connected to the existing grid or operate off-grid due to their smaller capacity, generating low-carbon power for industry and households. This is especially true for microreactors, a type of SMR designed to generate electricity, typically up to 10 MW(e). Microreactors have a smaller footprint than other SMRs and are better suited for areas where clean, reliable, and affordable energy is not available. Microreactors can also serve as a backup power source in emergency situations or be used to replace diesel-powered power generators, such as in rural areas or remote industries.
Compared to existing reactors, proposed SMR designs are generally simpler, and the safety concept for SMRs often relies more heavily on passive systems and the inherent safety characteristics of these reactors, such as low power and low operating pressure. This means that no human intervention or external energy or force is required to shut down the systems, as passive systems rely on physical phenomena such as natural circulation, convection, gravity, and pressurization. This in some cases eliminates or significantly reduces the likelihood of hazardous radioactive releases to the environment and public exposure to them in the event of an accident.
SMRs have reduced fuel requirements. SMR-based power plants can be refuelled less frequently: every 3-7 years, while traditional plants require it every 1-2 years. Some SMRs are designed in such a way that they can operate without refuelling for up to 30 years.
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