Small modular reactors are emerging as a promising new nuclear technology. While potentially safer, more affordable, and producing less waste than traditional reactors, new tech brings new questions. A team here at Michigan Engineering, led by Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Associate Research Scientist Dr. Denia Djokić, has released a set of policy recommendations to help ensure that these reactors are deployed safely and responsibly, with real benefits for the communities around th

SMR stands for Small Modular Reactor, a type of nuclear power plant that is smaller than traditional nuclear reactor systems. Each module has a power generation capacity of less than 300 megawatts (MWe), making it suitable for addressing localized energy needs or regions lacking extensive energy infrastructure. How does SMR work? SMRs generate energy through the process of nuclear fission. This involves firing neutrons at heavy elements like uranium or plutonium, causing the atomic nuclei to spl