Nuclear Industry Views on the Security of Small Modular Reactors: Results of a pilot survey

Modular Reactors (MR) present a range of novel characteristics which have the potential to create security considerations. These characteristics can be categorized according to five areas: (1) Power Capacity and Modular Manufacture and Construction, (2) Reduced Capital and Operating Costs, (3) Increasing Automation and Remote Operations, (4) Advanced Reactors and Fuels, and (5) Deployment and Siting Options. Prior work in this field has identified a range of security considerations unique to novel advanced reactors and MRs. In order to build upon this, during March and April 2024, the World Nuclear Association’s 65-member Nuclear Security Working Group was surveyed to collect views on nuclear security considerations for SMR and other advanced nuclear power plant designs. The Working Group’s members are distributed globally, with a wide range of experiences and expertise in nuclear security. The paper will present and discuss the results of this survey. Several novel security considerations were identified by the Working Group members, and these are explored, with potential mitigation approaches presented.