Small Modular Reactors: Physical Protection Considerations

It is no longer news that Nuclear Energy provides one of the best alternatives for clean energy. In this regard, and to ensure that energy generation from this source is safer and cleaner, advancements have been ongoing and one of such is the concept of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs offer more economic, and passive safety features, flexibility, and far less radiological consequences from accidents. Although only the Akademik Lomonosov is currently in use, research and development for other more efficient SMRs are ongoing. This work aims to provide a technical overview of SMRs, evaluate some emerging threats associated with SMRs, and analyze how a robust and effective physical protection system (PPS) could mitigate against these threats using two case studies. The two case studies considered were Akademik Lomonosov and Spar-Type Platform Design for the Offshore Floating Nuclear Power Plant (OFNP). It was observed that one of the impacts of SMR on PPS would be a significantly lower cost for PPS than in the traditional large nuclear power plant, owing largely to the difference in size. Also, in SMRs, security would be more centralized and enhanced. Situating SMRs offshore provides a better physical protection system in terms of natural phenomena or extreme weather events. Areas for improving the PPS of SMRs for the two case studies were identified and the best possible solutions were proffered.