NEA Report: Global SMR Deployment Accelerates – New Dashboard Details Expansion

Small Modular Reactors Surge Ahead: NEA Dashboard Reveals Accelerating Global Progress

Paris, France – The landscape of nuclear energy is rapidly evolving, with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) demonstrating significant advancements in development and deployment, according to the latest NEA Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Dashboard, Third Edition, released today. the report from the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) highlights an intensified global drive towards SMR adoption, fueled by rising energy demands, energy security concerns, and a commitment to carbon emission reduction.NEA director-General William D. Magwood, IV, emphasized the critical role of SMRs in contemporary energy strategies. “The overarching developments reflected in the NEA SMR Dashboard are clear,” he stated. “The strategic drivers for SMR deployment – rising electricity demand, including from data centres and expanding digital services, energy security imperatives, and national goals set by many countries to reduce carbon emissions – are intensifying. smrs are now a core part of the energy strategies in an increasing number of countries in all parts of the world.”

The complete analysis, which examined 74 SMR designs, reveals a burgeoning pipeline of projects. Notably, 51 SMR designs are currently engaged in pre-licensing or licensing processes across 15 countries. Furthermore, approximately 85 active discussions are underway worldwide between SMR developers and potential site owners, indicating strong market interest and potential for future placements.

The report also points to considerable progress in critical areas such as supply chain readiness and financing. As the previous edition of the dashboard was published in 2024, there has been a remarkable 81% increase in the number of SMR designs that have secured at least one source of funding or announced funding commitments. This financial momentum is crucial for bringing these innovative technologies to fruition.

Seven SMR designs are already either operating or under construction, signaling a tangible shift from concept to reality. the NEA notes the growing diversity of SMR designs, offering a wide array of choices for potential customers. However, this variety also presents challenges for regulatory bodies and the industrial supply chain. The report suggests opportunities to streamline global supply chains, promote standardization, and enhance the overall economic viability of SMRs to address these complexities.

The NEA Small Modular reactor (SMR) Dashboard provides in-depth details on each SMR design, detailing aspects such as technology concept, configuration, outlet temperature, size, and fuel type, including enrichment requirements. The assessments are rigorously based on verifiable public sources and benefit from consultations with SMR designers, subject to independent verification.

For the first time,the NEA has also launched a digital interactive platform offering direct access to its SMR database. This platform allows for ongoing data collection, enabling more frequent updates and a dynamic view of the ever-evolving SMR landscape. The data presented in the third edition of the dashboard reflects developments as of February 14,2025.

The accelerating progress documented in the NEA’s latest report underscores the growing confidence in SMR technology as a key component of a clean, secure, and reliable energy future.

How might the increased design diversity in SMRs impact standardization efforts and overall deployment costs?

The Rising Tide of Small Modular Reactors

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) recently released a extensive report detailing the accelerating global deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Accompanying this report is a new,interactive dashboard providing unprecedented openness into the evolving SMR landscape. This isn’t just incremental progress; it represents a important shift in nuclear energy growth, offering potential solutions for decarbonization, energy security, and flexible power generation. The report highlights a surge in SMR designs and projects worldwide, moving beyond conceptualization towards tangible construction and operation.

Key Findings from the NEA Report

The NEA’s analysis reveals several crucial trends shaping the future of SMRs:

Increased Design Diversity: over 70 SMR designs are currently under development globally, utilizing a variety of coolants (light water, molten salt, liquid metal, gas) and fuel types. This diversity caters to a wider range of applications and geographical contexts.

Growing Government Support: Governments are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of SMRs, providing funding, regulatory frameworks, and streamlined licensing processes to accelerate deployment. This includes initiatives in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Focus on Advanced Technologies: Many SMR designs incorporate advanced technologies like passive safety features,enhanced fuel utilization,and modular construction techniques,reducing costs and improving safety profiles.

expanding Applications: Beyond electricity generation, SMRs are being explored for diverse applications including district heating, hydrogen production, desalination, and industrial process heat.

First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) Projects: Several FOAK SMR projects are nearing completion, paving the way for wider commercialization. These projects are critical for demonstrating the viability and scalability of SMR technology.

Exploring the New NEA SMR Dashboard

The newly launched NEA SMR Dashboard is a powerful tool for tracking the progress of SMR development. It offers:

Interactive Map: A visual representation of SMR projects worldwide, categorized by status (planned, under construction, operating).

Design Database: Detailed information on each SMR design, including reactor type, power output, coolant, and developer.

Contry Profiles: Summaries of SMR activities in individual countries, highlighting government policies and key projects.

Data Visualization: Charts and graphs illustrating trends in SMR deployment, investment, and technological advancements.

Regular Updates: The dashboard will be continuously updated with the latest information, ensuring users have access to the most current data.

Access the dashboard directly at https://www.nea.org/smr/dashboard/

SMR Technology: A Deeper Dive

understanding the different SMR technologies is crucial for assessing their potential. Here’s a breakdown of some prominent approaches:

Light Water SMRs: These designs build upon existing pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology, offering a familiar and relatively straightforward path to deployment. NuScale Power’s SMR is a leading example.

Molten Salt SMRs: Utilizing molten salt as both coolant and fuel carrier, these reactors offer enhanced safety features and the potential for higher operating temperatures. Terrestrial Energy’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) is a key player.

Liquid Metal SMRs: Employing liquid metal (typically sodium or lead) as a coolant, these reactors achieve high thermal efficiency and can operate at low pressure.

High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs): These reactors use helium as a coolant and graphite as a moderator, enabling high operating temperatures and efficient hydrogen production.

Benefits of SMR Deployment

The widespread adoption of smrs promises a range of benefits:

Enhanced Energy Security: SMRs can diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, bolstering energy independence.

Decarbonization: Nuclear energy is a low-carbon source of electricity, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. SMRs offer a flexible and scalable solution for decarbonizing the power sector.

Grid Adaptability: SMRs can be deployed in remote locations and integrated with renewable energy sources,providing grid stability and resilience.

Economic growth: SMR development and deployment create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the nuclear industry and related sectors.

Reduced Capital Costs: Modular construction and factory fabrication can lower capital costs compared to traditional large-scale nuclear power plants.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promising outlook, several challenges remain:

Regulatory Hurdles: Streamlining licensing processes and establishing clear regulatory frameworks are essential for accelerating SMR deployment.

Financing and Investment: Securing sufficient funding for FOAK projects and commercial-scale deployment requires innovative financing mechanisms and investor confidence.

Public Acceptance: Addressing public concerns about nuclear safety and waste management is crucial for gaining widespread support for SMR technology.

supply Chain Development: Establishing a robust supply chain for SMR components and fuel is necessary to meet growing demand.

Waste Management: Developing enduring solutions for managing nuclear waste remains a critical challenge.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

*NuScale