Analysis of small modular reactors

Nuclear energy is currently the only technology that has potential to expand at a large scale and efficiently replace fossil-burning power plants. However, for this to happen particularly in the countries with undeveloped nuclear infrastructure, several important issues need to be addressed: financial, technological, and regulatory risks; nuclear reactor safety and security; cost and duration of construction; secured fuel supply infrastructure; development of acceptable spent nuclear fuel disposal options and radioactive waste forms; non-proliferation and threat reduction; public perception, and long-term sustainability. The advanced Generation IV reactor concepts, particularly small modular reactors, are far from commercialization and deployment. A reasonable estimate is that for most of these advanced reactors real deployment might not happen before the end of 2030?s due to issues with the HALEU fuel, testing and qualification of new fuel and advanced materials under extreme conditions, regulatory processes that are still not streamlined, as well as development of acceptable spent nuclear fuel disposal options and radioactive waste forms. In addition, these new reactor concepts need to demonstrate increased safety and security, and reduction of proliferation risks. Having this in mind, the question arises regarding the choices that the countries with undeveloped nuclear infrastructure should make if they would like to add nuclear power plants to their energy mixture. This paper will analyze several small modular reactors designs and a possibility of their inclusion in the near-term planning for nuclear power expansion.