2023, Pioro, I. L. , Duffey, R. B. , Kirillov, P. L. , Dort-Goltz, N. , Тихомиров, Георгий Валентинович, Смирнов, Антон Дмитриевич, Smirnov, A. D., Tikhomirov, G. V.

This chapter examines Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are modular-type nuclear reactors with installed capacities ≤ 300 MWel with claimed features of “modularity” in design, production, and/or construction, and Small- and Medium-size Reactors (S&MRs), with installed capacities ≤ 300 MWel (Small) and > 300–700 MWel (Medium-size), many having claimed features of “modularity” in design, production, and/or construction. The requirements and objectives for any and all new nuclear reactors of any and all sizes are given as: safer than previous “generations”; having low financial risk exposure and capital cost; ease and speed of build; readily licensable; simple to operate and secure; assured fuel supply and sustainability; providing social value and acceptance; and still being competitive. Existing SMRs and S&MRs are tabulated by type, country, and status. Although many SMR designs and concepts have been proposed, Russia is the first country in the world to develop, design, and put into operation two SMRs, and Russian technology is examined in detail in this chapter, with numerous diagrams and photos of various systems provided.