Prospects for Nuclear Microreactors: A Review of the Technology, Economics, and Regulatory Considerations

The nuclear energy sector is actively developing a new class of very small advanced reactors, called microreactors. This technology has disruptive potential as an alternative to carbon-intensive technologies based on its mobility and transportability, resilience, independence from the grid, well capacity for long refueling intervals low-carbon emissions. Microreactors may extend set international customers, many which are located where at price premium and/or limited fossil sources. Developers creating designs geared toward factory production quality costs be optimized. paper reviews existing literature technology, markets, economic viability, regulatory institutional challenges technological characteristics reviewed describe wide range microreactor distinguish them large power plants modular reactor (SMR) designs.The expanding cost competitiveness SMRs relative other nonnuclear also reviewed, with emphasis understanding making microreactors economically viable. A major part this study focuses deployment across global markets. Previous work SMR market assessment adaptation these studies more fully examined. Characteristics that differentiate make suitable unique localized applications if they can competitive technologies, meet societal requirements. Recent research markets evaluated extended in previously unevaluated use case play role grid resiliency integration renewables. Further associated commercialization microreactors, addition competitiveness, explored by examining safety deployment.