"In the medium and long term, JGC Corporation will work with Fluor to secure and execute SMR EPC projects on a global basis, and intends to seek opportunities in integrating SMRs with renewable energy, as well as with hydrogen production and seawater desalination," JGC said.

Between 2035-2050, SMRs could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 216 megatonnes (Mt) in the heavy industrial sector. Canadian emissions from this sector are currently about 700 Mt per year.

According to the study, a 300 MWe grid-scale SMR built in Ontario and operated for 60 years would create direct and related employment including nearly 700 jobs during project development, over 1600 jobs during manufacturing and construction, over 200 jobs during operations, and about 160 jobs during decommissioning.

If you build an SMR in the U.S., for example, you can’t sell it in Canada until Canadian regulators have approved the design. And the same goes for every other nuclear market in the world. Even nuclear insiders recognize that this could be a big issue for SMRs.

It is the policy of the United States to promote advanced reactor technologies, including small modular reactors, to support defense installation energy flexibility and energy security, and for use in space exploration,

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a recent report said more than 70 SMR designs and concepts exist worldwide. SMRs also are being touted for their ability to work as a multi-module plant, combining modules for more power output.

According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the global market for SMR technology is expected to exceed CAD150–300 billion (USD116-232 billion) by 2040.

Rosatom is planning to build a small nuclear power plant in Yakutia.

Nuclear power currently provides the second largest amount of low carbon electricity in the world (slightly behind hydro) and stands ready to do so much more.

what is really behind small modular nuclear reactors and why they are poised to disrupt the generation field in the coming decade