global Push for clean Energy Accelerates: NEA Reports Important Strides in Small Modular reactor Development

Paris,France – The world is witnessing a significant acceleration in the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs),according to the third edition of the NEA Small Modular reactor (SMR) Dashboard released today by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).The comprehensive report highlights robust progress across key areas, underscoring the growing role of SMRs in meeting global energy demands, enhancing energy security, and achieving climate change mitigation goals.

The latest edition of the dashboard analyzed 74 SMR designs, evaluating advancements in licensing, siting, financing, supply chain readiness, stakeholder engagement, and fuel development. NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, emphasized the intensifying strategic drivers for SMR adoption.”The overarching developments reflected in the NEA SMR Dashboard are clear: the strategic drivers for SMR deployment – rising electricity demand, including from data centres and expanding digital services, energy security imperatives and national goals set by many countries to reduce carbon emissions – are intensifying,” Magwood stated. “SMRs are now a core part of the energy strategies in an increasing number of countries in all parts of the world.”

Key findings from the assessment reveal that 51 SMR designs are actively engaged in pre-licensing or licensing processes across 15 countries. Furthermore, approximately 85 active discussions are underway globally between SMR developers and potential site owners. The report also points to ample progress in supply chain readiness and financing. Since the previous edition in 2024, there has been an remarkable 81% increase in the number of SMR designs that have secured at least one funding source or announced funding commitments.

Currently,seven SMR designs are either operating or under construction,with a strong pipeline of projects progressing towards their first-of-a-kind deployment. The diversity of designs offers a wide array of choices for potential customers, while also presenting opportunities for regulators and the industrial supply chain to streamline processes, promote standardization, and bolster the economic viability of SMR technology.

The NEA SMR Dashboard provides detailed information on each SMR design,including its technology concept,configuration,outlet temperature,size,and fuel type,along with enrichment requirements. The assessments are based exclusively on verifiable public sources and are further informed by consultations with SMR designers, subject to independent verification.

In a significant enhancement, the NEA SMR dashboard is now also available as a digital interactive platform, offering direct access to the NEA’s SMR database. This digital format allows for ongoing data collection and more frequent updates to the NEA’s assessments.The data presented in the third edition of the NEA Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Dashboard reflects developments as of February 14, 2025.