ITIF-小型模块化反应堆：核电未来的现实主义方法（英）

itif.org Small Modular Reactors: A Realist Approach to the Future of Nuclear Power ROBIN GASTER | APRIL 2025 Standard large nuclear reactors won’t achieve scale or cost competitiveness with alternative energy sources. DOE should focus its resources on small modular reactors, which are a more promising technology with the potential to achieve price and performance parity. KEY TAKEAWAYS  Small modular reactors (SMRs) are the future of nuclear power, and they could become an important strategic export industry in the next two decades.  SMRs must get to sufficient scale so they can become cost competitive with other energy sources including large reactors, renewables, and fossil fuels.  DOE needs to develop independent assessment capabilities for SMRs (and other technologies) that focus on the pathway to price and performance parity (P3). All major investments must be reviewed through the P3 lens (see box).  DOE should maintain and expand its strong support for basic and applied nuclear research through the Advanced Reactor Development Program (ARDP) and DOE’s GenIII+ program, including new test and demonstration sites at INL.  DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) must provide critical funding to help provide commercial viability, and the Loan Program Office (LPO) will need reform and restructuring to focus specifically on scale-up.  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reform is under way, but more is needed. Innovation requires iteration, and that requires new thinking. NEPA reform is also needed, and so is improved interconnection of new energy sources to the grid.  SMR markets will be global, so NRC and DOE must not ignore international regulation. United States, Europe, Japan, and other allies can align their regimes to help counter competition from Chinese and Russian state-backed enterprises. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION FOUNDATION | APRIL 2025 PAGE 2 CONTENTS Key Takeaways ................................................................................................................... 1 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ 3 Introduction: Why SMRs Could Be Important ........................................................................ 8 What Are SMRs? ............................................................................................................. 9 The Potential for SMRs ..................................................................................................... 11 New Markets for Nuclear................................................................................................ 11 Manufacturing and Economies of Scale: Getting to P3 ...................................................... 15 Shorter and Potentially More Predictable Construction Timelines ....................................... 17 Lower Up-Front Capital Costs .................................................................