Small Modular Reactors

The newest wave of nuclear centers on small modular reactors (SMRs), which answer nuclear's biggest practical complaint: cost and build time. Because they can be factory-built and shipped to a site, they cut construction from decades to years.

SMRs generate between 50 and 300 megawatts, versus over 1,000 for a conventional plant. Their smaller size lowers financial risk, allows reactors to be added one at a time, and opens nuclear to regions where giant plants make no sense.

Some designs use advanced fuels and cooling that make meltdowns physically impossible rather than merely unlikely, and a few can even burn spent fuel from older reactors, shrinking waste stockpiles while producing power.