The term SMR refers to small and medium-sized reactors with a capacity of 600 MWe or less, collectively encompassing small and medium-sized nuclear reactors.

1985, IAEA (TECDOC-347) : SMPR (Small and Medium Power Reactor)

1991, OECD : Small and Medium Reactor (SMR) < 600 Mwe

1996, IAEA (TECDOC-881) : SMR (Small and Medium Reactor)  ~ 700 Mwe

• Features of SMR

Simpler design, Increased safety margin, 

Better match to grid requirement, 

Open up energy markets,

Easier multi-unit siting,

Lower financial risk.

SMR Chelleanges

(Unresolved Issues) In the 1991 OECD report, issues and areas for improvement related to SMR development were highlighted, including Economic Competitiveness and Lack of any Operating Plants.

(Economy of Scale) The specific capital cost ($/kWe) of a nuclear reactor is inversely proportional to its size, ranging from -0.6 to -0.3. The numerator value (cost) remains constant, suggesting an increase in the denominator. Project investment constitutes 66%, Operation and Maintenance 16%, and Fuel and Wastes 17% of the overall cost structure.The Monte Carlo method has advantage and disadvantage. In the particle transport analysis, the MC method can handle continuous energy cross section library  and treat the complex geometric information directly without some approximations. To overcome the disadvantage of the MC method, we need some improvements. In the other words, it needs challenges.

(Economic Paradigm Shift) Is there economic viability for SMRs?

Multiple unit construction

Learning curve (standardization)

Short construction period

Provide consumer-appropriate capacity (generate demand)

Design innovation (simplification, standardization, factory construction)

 Researches and Studies on SMR