Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that are generally defined as having a power capacity of 300 MW(e) or less per unit.
BACKGROUND
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that are generally defined as having a power capacity of 300 MW(e) or less per unit, which is approximately one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.
There is great interest in SMRs and other advanced / novel reactor types (e.g., deep burn reactors, travelling wave reactors) to support the phase out of fossil fuels required to reduce climate change impacts. To date, however, the management of wastes resulting from these has been little considered, despite the fact that this is known to be essential to gaining acceptance.
Expertise
Our work has shown that holistic overview of waste management aspects of such reactors can:- Provide a sound basis for decisions on design / choice of options for specific boundary conditions
- Facilitate optimisation of construction / operation / decommissioning
- Lead to reduction of doses to workers, environmental impacts, cost
- Pre-empt future opposition.
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