Small Modular Reactor (SMR)
A nuclear reactor with electrical output under 300 MW (vs. 1,000+ MW for conventional reactors), designed for factory fabrication and site assembly. Key designs include NuScale VOYGR, TerraPower Natrium, and X-energy Xe-100.
Why It Matters
SMRs aim to solve nuclear's cost and construction problems through factory manufacturing, standardized designs, and incremental scaling. They could provide firm clean power at coal plant sites starting in the late 2020s.
Related Topics
Related Terms
Nuclear Fission
The process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus (such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239) into two lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This is the reaction that powers all current nuclear power plants.
Passive Safety
Nuclear reactor safety systems that rely on natural physical processes (gravity, convection, thermal radiation) rather than active components like pumps, valves, or human operators. Many SMR designs feature passive safety that prevents meltdown without any external intervention.