Small Modular Reactors: Nuclear Power Fad or Future?

There is currently significant interest in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) for the generation of both electricity and process heat. SMRs offer potential benefits in terms of better affordability and enhanced safety, and can also be sited more flexibly than traditional nuclear plants. Small Modular Reactors: Nuclear Power Fad or Future? reviews SMR features, promises, and problems, also discussing what lies ahead for reactors of this type.

The book is organized into three major parts with the first part focused on the role of energy, especially nuclear energy, for global development. It also provides a brief history of SMRs. The second major part presents basic nuclear power plant terminology and then discusses in depth the attributes of SMRs that distinguish them from traditional nuclear plants. The third and final major section discusses the current interest in SMRs from a customer’s perspective and delineates several remaining hurdles that must be addressed to achieve wide-spread SMR deployment.

Provides decision-makers in governments, business, and research with the needed background on small nuclear power and an overview of the current situation Presents a balanced discussion of the many advantages of SMRs and the challenges they faceWritten by a highly respected expert in the nuclear industry

Part I: Setting the Stage

1. Energy, Nuclear Power, and Small Modular Reactors

2. Brief History of Small Nuclear Power (1950-2000)

3. The Rise of Current Small Modular Reactors (2000-2015)

Part II: Fundamentals and Features

4. Nuclear Power 101: Understanding Nuclear Reactors

5. Enhancing Nuclear Safety

6. Improving Nuclear Affordability

7. Expanding Nuclear Power Flexibility

Part III: Promise to Reality

8. Customer Buzz About Small Modular Reactors

9. Getting to the Finish Line: Deployment Challenges and Opportunities

10. Fad or Future?