Afternoon plenary: Accelerating SMR summit
Sep 17, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:00 PMCC1
Sep 17, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
CC1
Description
Small modular reactors (SMRs) have the potential to reshape the future of nuclear energy. The NEA Small Modular Reactor Dashboard currently tracks progress on 127 SMR technologies worldwide. Many of these projects are in pre-licensing or licensing discussions and a growing number are moving toward construction, reflecting rising interest from both governments and industry. SMRs promise enhanced safety through passive systems, as well as lower costs and shorter construction timelines enabled by factory-based modular manufacturing. They can also serve remote grids and provide industrial heat as well as electricity. However, significant challenges remain. These include developing reliable supply chains for new reactor designs, managing the financial risks of first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects, sustaining a skilled workforce and adapting regulatory frameworks to accommodate advanced designs, materials and innovative fuels. This plenary session will provide an opportunity to assess progress across the sector and discuss innovative financing models to support deployment.