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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
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Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Published on: December 14, 2017
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Evaluating the Cost, Safety, and Proliferation Risks of Small Floating Nuclear Reactors
Michael J Ford1, Ahmed Abdulla2, M Granger Morgan1
1Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Summary
Floating small modular reactors offer a potential solution for decarbonizing energy systems in non-nuclear nations. This model mitigates risks by centralizing manufacturing and returning reactors for refueling, addressing safety and proliferation concerns.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear engineering and energy policy
- International relations and nuclear non-proliferation
Background:
- Decarbonizing global energy systems necessitates nuclear power, yet its adoption in non-nuclear states faces significant technical, institutional, and regulatory hurdles.
- Safety and proliferation concerns are amplified in countries with limited capabilities, hindering nuclear energy deployment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of a "build-own-operate-return" model for small modular reactors (SMRs) deployed on floating platforms.
- To compare the cost, safety, and proliferation risks of floating SMRs against land-based alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Development of a decision model to compare floating and land-based SMR deployment options.
- Analysis incorporated International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plant-siting criteria.
Main Results:
- Centralized manufacturing and return of floating SMRs for refueling can reduce cost overrun risks and accident consequences.
- Abandoning onsite refueling simplifies operations and enhances safety.
- Building floating platforms to military-grade specifications significantly increases costs compared to land-based systems.
Conclusions:
- Floating SMRs present a viable deployment paradigm for mitigating risks in non-nuclear energy states.
- The "build-own-operate-return" model offers a pathway to nuclear deployment while addressing safety and proliferation concerns.
- An analysis tool is provided to aid planners in assessing risks and uncertainties of different SMR deployment strategies.
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