Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Prospects For Nuclear Microreactors: A Review Of The Technology, Economics, And Regulatory Considerations, G. Black, D. Shropshire, K. Araújo, A. Van Heek

Economics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The nuclear energy sector is actively developing a new class of very small advanced reactors, called microreactors. This technology has disruptive potential as an alternative to carbon-intensive energy technologies based on its mobility and transportability, resilience, and independence from the grid, as well as its capacity for long refueling intervals and low-carbon emissions. Microreactors may extend nuclear energy to a new set of international customers, many of which are located where energy is at a price premium and/or limited to fossil sources. Developers are creating designs geared toward factory production where quality and costs may be optimized. This paper reviews …