Väikemoodulreaktorid

Väikemoodulreaktorid, commonly known as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), represent a new generation of nuclear power technology. These reactors are designed to be smaller in physical size and have a modular construction, meaning they can be manufactured in a factory setting and then transported to the site for assembly. This approach differs from traditional large-scale nuclear power plants, which are built on-site over many years.

The key characteristics of SMRs include their reduced power output, typically ranging from tens to a few hundred megawatts, compared to the thousands of megawatts produced by conventional reactors. Their modular design is intended to offer benefits such as lower upfront capital costs, faster construction times, and improved safety features due to inherent design principles and smaller radioactive inventories.

SMRs are being developed with a variety of reactor technologies, including light-water reactors, high-temperature gas reactors, and fast reactors, each with its own set of advantages and applications. Potential uses extend beyond electricity generation to include industrial process heat, desalination, and hydrogen production.

Safety is a paramount consideration in SMR design, with many incorporating passive safety systems that rely on natural forces like gravity and convection to cool the reactor core and prevent accidents, reducing the need for active human intervention or external power. The development and deployment of SMRs are seen by some as a way to provide flexible, reliable, and low-carbon energy solutions to supplement existing power grids and meet future energy demands.