The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is hosting its inaugural International Conference on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and their Applications from October 21 to 25, 2024. As the global demand for energy surges, the conference brings together experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss how SMRs can contribute to a sustainable and secure energy future, particularly in the context of climate change.
With electricity consumption projected to nearly double by 2050, and over 60% of global electricity still derived from fossil fuels, countries are seeking cleaner alternatives. Nuclear power, currently the second-largest source of low-carbon electricity after hydropower, is emerging as a critical solution. Thirty-one countries already operate more than 400 nuclear reactors, and interest in SMRs is growing among about 30 other nations.
SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e)—about a third of the output of traditional reactors. Their modular design allows for components to be mass-manufactured and easily transported for installation, potentially reducing construction costs and timelines. SMRs are seen as especially advantageous for remote areas lacking robust electrical grids and transmission lines.
Notably, SMRs are not limited to electricity generation. Their versatility allows for non-electric applications, such as providing heat and producing hydrogen, which positions them as flexible options within integrated energy systems. These systems could combine nuclear power with renewable energy and storage solutions, supporting a reliable and resilient clean energy supply.
Globally, over 80 SMR designs are currently under development. The conference will spotlight technological advances, including passive safety features, innovative fuel types, and lifecycle management from construction to decommissioning. Countries such as China and Russia have already operationalized SMRs, with more nations expected to deploy them by the end of the decade.
As part of the IAEA’s ongoing efforts to support Member States in the safe and secure deployment of SMRs, the agency has established the IAEA Platform on SMRs and their Applications and the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI). These initiatives aim to harmonize regulatory approaches and standardize industrial practices for SMRs, ensuring that safety, security, and safeguards are integrated into the design and operation of these reactors.
The conference will address key objectives, including up-to-date SMR designs, safety and security frameworks, regulatory practices, financing models, and national energy program requirements. This gathering is expected to catalyze international collaboration and accelerate SMR deployment, helping countries achieve their clean energy goals.
In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, the IAEA is organizing the event as a “green meeting,” in accordance with the Austrian Ecolabel. The focus will be on reducing waste, minimizing paper use, and incorporating environmentally friendly catering.
As the world strives for a greener future, SMRs offer a promising pathway for both embarking and expanding nuclear energy programs, supporting a clean energy transition and enhancing energy supply security.
For more information on the conference and its outcomes, visit nuclearafrica.net.
