Small Modular Reactors

The document argues that SMRs can provide 'clean firm' power to decarbonize industrial systems and bolster energy security in the EU. It identifies that while 12 countries mention SMRs in draft NECPs and 7 plan investments, significant work is needed to improve these plans. The guide outlines five key recommendation areas: developing planning competencies (including techno-economic assessments and workforce studies), strengthening regional cooperation (such as joint licensing and a Joint Procurement Platform), enhancing financial frameworks (using contracts for difference and state aid), establishing national R&D and demonstration programmes, and creating industry-informed roadmaps. It specifically highlights the need for regulators to diversify competence beyond Light Water Reactors to evaluate advanced technologies like molten salt reactors.

• SMRs offer several advantages over traditional nuclear power, specifically lower initial capital costs, faster construction due to reduced on-site labour, potential siting flexibility, and the possibility of serial production in controlled environments.
• Analysis of draft NECPs shows that 10 countries plan to include nuclear in their future energy mix, 12 plan further nuclear research, and 10 plan research and/or investments in SMRs.
• EU nuclear regulators need to expand their expertise beyond Light Water Reactors (LWR) to effectively evaluate advanced SMR technologies, such as molten salt reactors and very high-temperature reactors, as well as non-low-enriched uranium fuel cycles.
• To overcome fragmented demand and limited economies of scale, the document recommends the creation of a Joint Platform for SMR Procurements at the EU level to centralize demand and negotiate common SMR designs.
• The guide proposes a 'license-by-testing' sandbox approach where reactor designers can conduct full-scale testing in designated areas to reduce licensing uncertainty, time, and cost, particularly for advanced reactors.
• Financial viability for SMRs, especially first-of-a-kind (FOAK) units, will depend heavily on the cost of capital; therefore, the use of two-way contracts for difference (CfDs), Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and Heat Purchase Agreements (HPAs) is recommended to reduce risk.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (2024). Small Modular Reactors. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/26143923/necpplaybook_smr.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Small Modular Reactors. 2024. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/26143923/necpplaybook_smr.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Small Modular Reactors |date=February 2024 |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/26143923/necpplaybook_smr.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforce2024small, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Small Modular Reactors}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, year = {2024}, month = feb, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/26143923/necpplaybook_smr.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }