Small modular reactors – smaller regulation?
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are increasingly promoted as a flexible, low-carbon complement to renewables in Europe’s future energy mix. This brief questions that narrative. It finds that the term SMR covers a wide range of heterogeneous reactor concepts, most of which remain in early development stages and lack regulatory approval in the EU. No SMR is currently under construction in the Union, and even optimistic timelines suggest commercial deployment at scale would come too late to meaningfully contribute to 2050 climate targets.
Technically, most SMRs are based on existing light-water reactor designs and do not fundamentally improve safety. Their smaller size does not automatically reduce accident risks, while some designs could increase proliferation concerns due to specialised fuel requirements. The diversity of concepts also complicates licensing, supply chains and waste management.
Economically, SMRs are unlikely to match the cost-efficiency of large reactors, let alone renewables. Projected cost reductions depend on mass production of standardised designs – an unlikely scenario given the fragmented landscape. The brief concludes that betting on SMRs risks diverting political attention and resources from proven, cost-competitive solutions such as renewables, storage, grid expansion and electrification, which can deliver decarbonisation within this decade.
For more information, please contact Jörg Mühlenhoff.
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