Small Modular Reactors: A New Market To Be Blocked for russia

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are becoming one of the most promising innovations in nuclear energy. Their advantages — compactness, cost-efficiency, flexibility in application, and enhanced safety — make SMRs an ideal solution for remote regions, isolated grids, or areas with underdeveloped energy infrastructure. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the energy sector by providing electricity, heat, and even desalinated water.

However, amid russia’s aggression and intensifying sanctions, the development of SMRs faces new challenges. The primary threat is the dependence of most projects on high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), with russia remaining the dominant supplier. This creates risks for global energy security, particularly in the context of the world’s efforts to reduce reliance on the aggressor state.

The DiXi Group analytical material offers an in-depth analysis of the state and prospects of SMR development, including:

• Current SMR development worldwide: analysis of key countries (USA, EU, China, UK) and their plans for technology implementation by 2030.
• russia’s ambitions: attempts by Russia to strengthen its influence in the SMR sector through its technological advancements and uranium enrichment monopoly.
• Counteraction recommendations: enhancing sanctions against Rosatom, developing domestic HALEU production in the USA and Europe, and creating international standards and partnerships to support SMR development.

For Ukraine, SMR development is of strategic importance. The report examines specific opportunities for the country, which is already actively collaborating with leading SMR developers such as Holtec, NuScale, and Westinghouse.

The full analytical material provides more details on SMR prospects, risks to global energy stability, and necessary measures to protect the world’s strategic interests.

Prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation under the project “Enhancing Energy Security for Tomorrow.”

The NGO “DiXi Group” is responsible for the content of this document, which does not necessarily reflect the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.