International trends affecting the development of small and medium sized reactors

The beginning of the 21st century is characterised by significant changes in the energy policy-making framework of most countries. Globalisation of the world economy, deregulation of electricity markets, privatisation of the electricity sector, increasing concerns about the need to protect the environment and awareness of sustainable development goals are among the major trends affecting policy making and decisions in the energy sector. All those factors have impacts on nuclear energy programmes and may affect SMR development in particular. The paper investigates how those factors may change national energy policies and impact on nuclear energy programmes, with special emphasis on the potential role of SMRs in energy supply mixes. It elaborates on recent trends to increasing reliance on market mechanisms in the energy and electricity sectors and on the role of governments in implementing an integrated approach to policy making, within a sustainable development framework incorporating economic, social and environmental dimensions. Against this backdrop, the paper examines the potential markets for SMRs, taking into account their possible uses beyond electricity generation, such as potable water production, cogeneration, process or domestic heat supply and eventually hydrogen production. It reviews key issues to be addressed in order to facilitate the deployment of SMRs in different countries. Those include technology progress and transfer, capacity building in developing countries, adaptation to market requirements, economic competitiveness and social acceptance. The paper concludes with remarks regarding the importance of international co-operation, especially in the field of research and development on advanced reactor and fuel cycle concepts. In this connection, the role of intergovernmental organisations as facilitators and catalysts of national efforts is highlighted. (author)