Energy Transition

Small reactors could make nuclear energy big again. How do they work, and are they safe?

Small modular reactors are simpler, safer and cheaper than conventional reactors.. In picture: Gösgen Nuclear Power Plant, Germany.

Small modular reactors are simpler, safer and cheaper than conventional reactors. Image: Unsplash/Patrick Federi

Roberto Bocca
Head of Centre for Energy and Materials; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
Johnny Wood
Writer, Forum Agenda
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Small modular reactors could replace large-scale nuclear power plants such as the one picture here.
Small modular reactors could replace large-scale nuclear power plants such as the one picture here. Image: REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

Small modular reactors are simpler, safer, cheaper and easier to build than conventional large-scale nuclear reactors.
Small modular reactors are simpler, safer, cheaper and easier to build than conventional large-scale nuclear reactors. Image: IEA

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Related topics:
Energy TransitionSDG 07: Affordable and Clean EnergyNuclear Security
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