Nuclear Energy
Small Modular Reactor
Factory-fabricated nuclear reactors of smaller output, intended to be deployed as modules.
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Labelled system
Explore in 3D
Original ENERGY ATLAS schematic. Interactive 3D is opt-in on this page.
Shop-built nuclear island block.
Overview
SMR is a class, not a single design. Many concepts are scaled PWRs; others use high-temperature gas, molten salt, or lead coolants. The promise is serial manufacturing, smaller financing increments, and more passive safety. The challenge is proving cost and licensing at fleet scale.
How it works
A module contains the core and, in integral PWRs, often the steam generators inside one vessel. Multiple modules can share a site. Passive cooling using gravity and natural circulation is a common design goal.
Components
Reactor module
Shop-built nuclear island block.
Passive heat removal
Tanks and heat exchangers designed to work without pumps.