Deliberately small reactors and the second nuclear era

Smaller sized nuclear reactors were instrumental during the pioneering days of commercial nuclear power to facilitate the development and demonstration of early reactor technologies and to establish operational experience for the fledgling nuclear power industry. As the U.S. embarks on its “second nuclear era,” the question becomes: Will smaller sized plants have a significant role in meeting the nation's needs for electricity and other energy demands? A brief review of our nuclear history is presented relative to plant size considerations, followed by a review of several commonly cited benefits of small reactors. Several “deliberately small” designs currently being developed in the U.S. are briefly described, as well as some of the technical and institutional challenges faced by these designs. Deliberately small reactors offer substantial benefits in safety, security, operational flexibilities and economics, and they are well positioned to figure prominently in the second nuclear era.