Small Modular Reactors
Brussels, 26 November 2022: nucleareurope has today published a position paper highlighting the benefits which Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can bring to Europe’s energy system. In addition to providing an overview of ongoing SMR projects and potential challenges which they may face, it includes a series of policy recommendations which can facilitate their development and deployment in Europe.
“We are in the midst of a climate and energy crisis. SMRs, together with large reactors, have the potential to support the EU’s low-carbon transition and strengthen security of energy supplies”, states Yves Desbazeille, nucleareurope Director General. “In addition, the benefits which they could bring to the areas in which they are eventually deployed include industrial development and job creation.”
European citizens and businesses currently find themselves confronted with a massive increase in energy prices. This is due to a combination of geopolitical events, uncertainties regarding oil and gas supplies, the impact of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the variability of renewables. SMRs can provide a solution to some of these problems. They can help to tackle climate change, ensure security of energy supplies, bring stability to the grid and energy markets, and potentially support industrial development and job creation.
By design, SMRs integrate higher modularisation, standardisation and factory-based construction in order to maximise economies of series production. Nevertheless, their deployment is not without challenges, requiring carefully planned and well implemented solutions. In this respect, the creation and development of a harmonised ‘domestic’ SMR European program which takes into account the whole value chain (applicable also to existing foreign technologies) is key. The EU must therefore build its own capacity in order to become a leading actor in the future SMR market and create industrial and economic value at a European scale.
Click here to download the Position Paper
About us: nucleareurope is the Brussels-based trade association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe. Our membership is currently composed of 15 national nuclear associations and 6 corporate members. As a result, we represent nearly 3,000 European companies working in the industry which support around 1,100,000 jobs.
For more information, please contact Jessica Johnson: jessica.johnson@nucleareurope.eu
