GENERALLY, the phenomenon of nuclear renaissance refers to the policy orientations of a state cementing its interest in investing in nuclear power as an inevitable alternative to combat various global challenges -covering from climate change to the very expanding energy needs with a special focus on reliable electricity generation, thereby revising the traditional methods of using fossil fuel security. That said, the underlying factors driving this resurgence in the nuclear arena are none but a major global shift toward low-carbon energy sources entailed by the growing advancements in nuclear technology via growing use of Small modulator reactors (SMRs). Needless to say, this very transformation leads towards a future of tremendous development of nuclear power technologies.
Because of steadily increasing global energy consumption, the finite availability of fossil fuels and an increased sensitivity to the environmental impacts of fossil fuel combustion, the demand for nuclear energy for industrial applications is expected to grow rapidly. “SMRs are understood in general as newer generation and/or advanced reactors designed to generate typically up to 300 MW(e), whose components and systems can be centrally fabricated and then transported as modules to the sites for installation as demand arises.” That said, today’s world is currently experiencing a nuclear renaissance due to growing concerns about climate change, driving a renewed interest in nuclear power as a clean, reliable energy source, particularly with advancements in smaller, more flexible reactor designs like SMRs which address safety concerns and make nuclear power more accessible to various regions; this shift is further fuelled by technological innovations and supportive government policies aimed at decarbonization. As of July, 2024, 30 countries worldwide were operating 439 nuclear reactors for electricity generation and 35 new nuclear plants were under construction.
Former US President Barack Obama, French President Emmanuel Macron and Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates propelled the idea of small modular reactors (SMRs). Given the growing energy needs, nuclear plants could become smaller, simpler and easier to build in the future, potentially revolutionizing a power source that is increasingly viewed as critical to the transition away from fossil fuels. New designs called small modular reactors, or SMR in shorthand, promise to speed deployment of new plants as demand for clean electricity is rising from artificial intelligence, manufacturing and electric vehicles. At the same time, utilities across the country are retiring coal plants as part of the energy transition, raising worries about a looming electricity supply gap. Nuclear power is viewed as a potential solution because it is the most reliable power source available and does not emit carbon dioxide.
In addition, electric grids, for technical reasons, must have a minimum of 10 gigawatts to accommodate a large nuclear reactor. Eliminating the countries that do not fit these criteria, there appears a list of 16 countries that could be considered serious candidates for purchasing large nuclear reactors: Algeria, Belarus, Chile, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. On the other hand, in absence of legislation on the Use of SMRs, some countries, including US, China, Russia and Argentina, have already installed SMRs. Even though, India-US 123 agreement signed in 2008 has had no explicit description about the SMRS, India is also planning to build numerous SMRs.
Until now, many developing countries that do not have nuclear reactors for electricity production expressed to the IAEA interest in acquiring their first nuclear power plant. Such countries have a gross domestic product (GDP) ranging from US$6 billion (Haiti) to US$657 billion (Turkey) and electric grids ranging from 0.1 gigawatt (Haiti) to 31 gigawatts (Turkey). It is unlikely that countries with a GDP smaller than US$50 billion would be able to purchase a nuclear reactor worth at least a few billion dollars. Nevertheless, an urge for use of the SMRs, is gaining momentum globally. These reactors are viewed as a potential solution to expand nuclear power capacity, which is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. However, the commercialization of SMRs has faced challenges. Needless to say, the IAEA supports the development of regulatory framework on SMRs via various initiatives, including Safety Standard, SMR Regulators Forum, Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) enabling the member states to gather support and align their regulatory frameworks to promote the safe and effective deployment of SMRs, which are increasingly seen as a flexible option for power generation.
By holding webinars, the IAEA also facilitates the understanding and implementation of nuclear law related to SMRs.by emphasizing their role in transitioning to sustainable energy and addressing climate change. The ongoing nuclear renaissance can help shape energy policy and garner social approval for nuclear projects Nations can enhance their international standing by being leaders in developing next-generation nuclear technologies while supporting global cooperation through international agreements.
Use of SMRs can significantly impact various sectors, including water management, industrialization, medicine, and agriculture. In water management, SMRs can support desalination processes, providing fresh water in arid regions. For industrialization, they can supply consistent and low-emission energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In the medicinal field, SMRs are capable of producing radioisotopes used in medical treatments and research. In agriculture, the stable energy supply from SMRs can power irrigation systems and facilitate controlled environment agriculture, enhancing food production. Pakistan faces significant challenges in meeting its growing energy needs. The country could benefit from the induction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are seen as a viable solution to enhance energy capacity while addressing demand. Investing in SMRs could help diversify Pakistan’s energy mix and provide a long-lasting solution to its energy issues. Apparently in the future, the energy transition will shift from fossil fuels to nuclear energy mix via an expanded use of the SMRs.
—The writer, based in Pakistan, an independent IR & International Law analyst, also an expert in Conflict and Peace Studies (with special focus on Palestine, Kashmir), is member of European Consortium of Political Research (ECPR), including the Washington Foreign Law Society/American Society of International Law. He also deals with the strategic issues.
