# Deliver Low-Carbon Energy With Small Modular Reactors Lower nuclear energy costs by scaling up affordable and configurable small modular reactors through a unified digital platform. ## (Market Insights - SMRs)The Role of Small Modular Reactors in Decarbonizing the Energy Industry By 2050, global energy consumption will grow by nearly 50%1. As countries seek to implement clean and innovative solutions, the increased use of renewable sources coupled with **nuclear energy** has the potential to meet additional demand and displace existing fossil fuels. To decarbonize the power industry, energy leaders are bringing **small modular reactors** (SMRs) to life that will play a bigger role in the energy mix. Thanks to the use of **passive safety** systems and smaller fuel inventories, SMRs also reduce the risk of human error and interventions in the case of accidents. However, licensing and certification challenges remain. To address these complexities and scale up affordable and configurable **nuclear energy**, companies are turning to **digitalization** to gain information reliability and traceability. ## Digitalize to Decarbonize Bring small modular reactors to life while delivering low-carbon nuclear energy. Download our ebook for more insights. [(SAO 16 - Digitalize to Decarbonize)](/media/7114) [ Download ebook ](/media/low-carbon-energy-starts-digitalization) EBOOK ## Digitalize for Safety and Efficiency If nuclear is to continue to play an important role in powering the world, companies must instill confidence in citizens that their operations are safe. This is where **digitalization** comes in. ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-10/sao16-energy-use-small-moduular-reactors-icon-streamline-licensing-process-120x120.png) ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-10/sao16-energy-use-small-modular-reactors-icon-simpify-the-safety-case-120x120.png) ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-10/sao16-energy-use-small-modular-reactors-icon-strengthen-safety-demonstrations-120x120.png) ## Streamline licensing processes ### Streamline licensing processes **Nuclear regulations** are different across countries, which not only affects the safety demonstration of the power plant, but also the technical safety measures. **Standardization** through a unified platform is the key to navigating licensing practices. [Streamline licensing processes](/media/18686) ## Simplify the safety case ### Simplify the safety case By using a single platform to demonstrate the safety of the power plant, companies can produce a detailed safety case for licensing reviews while reducing extensive time and resources. [Simplify the safety case](/media/18687) ## Strengthen safety demonstrations ### Strengthen safety demonstrations Through a model-based approach, stakeholders can ensure full traceability of all changes during the virtual review of the safety case by regulators. [Strengthen safety demonstrations](/media/18689) ## Harmonize Three Pillars of SMRs In addition, **digitalization** harmonizes the three pillars that form the core of SMR power plants: Modularization, productization and standardization. ## Modularization ### Modularization Through off-site fabrication of components, **modularity** offers the ability to make SMR plants configurable and more affordable. However, this needs to be planned from as early as the conceptual design phase. By using a unified platform, companies can collaborate with module manufacturers to develop the plant architecture according to the requirements, thus shortening construction time, costs and waste. [(SAO 16 - Modularization)](/media/7117) ## Productization ### Productization SMRs bring the promise of **plant-as-a-product**, designed and manufactured with standard product lines, and operated and maintained as a fleet. With **digitalization**, all stakeholders can move towards **model-based systems engineering** (MBSE) to simulate and validate product designs in multiple configurations. By leveraging the **virtual twin** of the plant, companies can make informed decisions and fast track the licensing process. [(SAO 16 - Productization)](/media/7118) ## Standardization ### Standardization **Standardization** aims to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable SMRs at an affordable cost. Through a single platform, companies can develop SMRs as a fleet to reduce costs while taking into account site specificities and optimizing their processes through multi-physics simulation. These processes can include assembly, commissioning, operations, maintenance and dismantling. [(SAO 16 - Standardization)](/media/7119) ## Digitalize for Clean Energy As more countries move away from fossil fuels, **nuclear energy** continues to gain traction as a flexible, dispatchable energy source. **Small modular reactors** are a viable solution to produce decarbonized and cost-effective electricity to compensate for the intermittent nature of [renewable sources](https://www.3ds.com/sustainability/energy-use/wind-farms) such as wind and solar. SMRs including microreactors will play an important role in ensuring the security of the world’s energy supply as well as its transition to net zero. It’s time to unpack the challenges and opportunities in nuclear and move towards a [low-carbon future](https://www.3ds.com/sustainability/energy-use). ## Advantages of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) ## Low-Carbon Energy Generation ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-07/icon-265-manufactories-control.jpg) ## Supporting Decarbonization ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2024-09/icon-076-holistic.png) ## Scalability and Flexibility ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-06/icon-348-flexibility.png) ## Cost-Effective Production ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2024-10/icon-034a-cost.png) ## Enhanced Safety Systems ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2023-06/icon-403-crew-safety.png) ![Scale Up Nuclear Engineering Innovation > Small Modular Reactors > > Dassault Systèmes®](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/styles/thumbnail/public/2022-10/sao16-energy-use-small-modular-reactors-mobile.jpg.webp?itok=RbYHRPHZ) ![Scale Up Nuclear Engineering Innovation > Small Modular Reactors > > Dassault Systèmes®](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-10/sao16-energy-use-small-modular-reactors-mobile.jpg) ![Scale Up Nuclear Engineering Innovation > Small Modular Reactors > > Dassault Systèmes®](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-10/sao16-energy-use-small-modular-reactors-dekstop.jpg) View Infographic ## Design Safer and Smarter Advanced Nuclear Reactors Optimize the design of small modular reactors with the virtual twin experience. [Design Safer and Smarter Advanced Nuclear Reactors](/media/17853) [ Discover more ](https://www.3ds.com/industries/infrastructure-energy-materials/energy-transition/advanced-nuclear-reactors) --- 1 Source: [US EIA](https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=49876 "US EIA") (Oct 2021) ## FAQ About Small Modular Reactor Technology ## What are the advantages of small modular reactors? [Small modular reactors (SMRs)](https://www.3ds.com/industries/infrastructure-energy-materials/energy-transition/advanced-nuclear-reactors) are an emerging technology that offer a number of advantages over traditional nuclear reactors. SMRs use a modular design, where components are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly, reducing construction costs and time. They are also more efficient than traditional reactors, as they can be scaled up or down to match energy demand. SMRs are also safer than traditional reactors, as their small size reduces the risk of a catastrophic accident. ## What is a nuclear reactor? A nuclear reactor is a device that generates energy through the process of **nuclear fission**, where atoms are split to release energy in the form of heat. This heat is used to produce steam, which powers turbines to generate electricity. Nuclear reactors are a key source of **low-carbon energy** in the global energy mix. ## Are there any SMRs in the world? Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are compact nuclear power plants, considerably smaller than conventional reactors. They are engineered to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, potentially transforming the landscape of nuclear energy production. Multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and South Korea, are presently involved in the development of various SMR designs. ## What are the regulatory challenges facing Small Modular Reactors? The [primary regulatory challenges for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)](https://www.3ds.com/industries/infrastructure-energy-materials/energy-transition/advanced-nuclear-reactors) include navigating **complex licensing processes** and complying with **different safety regulations** across countries. These hurdles can delay development and increase costs, but **digitalization** and **standardization** are helping to streamline these challenges for quicker approval. ## What are the types of small modular reactors? Small modular reactors (SMRs) represent a compact and improved form of nuclear reactor technology compared to traditional counterparts. They offer enhanced efficiency and simplified construction. SMRs encompass diverse types, such as light water reactors, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, molten salt reactors, and fast reactors, each with distinct pros and cons. It is crucial to comprehend these distinctions to select the most suitable type for specific applications. ## What is the difference between small power fission reactors and traditional nuclear plants? | Aspect | Small Power Fission Reactors | Traditional Nuclear Plants | |---|---|---| | **Size and Capacity** | Smaller size with lower power output (typically under 300 MW). | Larger size with high power output (typically over 1,000 MW). | | **Construction Time** | Faster to build due to modular design. | Longer construction time, often spanning a decade or more. | | **Cost** | Lower capital costs due to modular construction and smaller scale. | Higher capital costs due to size, complexity, and construction timelines. | | **Deployment Flexibility** | Can be deployed in remote or off-grid locations. | Primarily suited for large, centralized energy grids. | | **Safety Systems** | Advanced **passive safety** systems with fewer moving parts. | Traditional safety systems with more active controls. | | **Fuel Use and Waste** | Typically designed for more efficient fuel use, producing less waste. | Larger fuel consumption and higher levels of nuclear waste. | | **Licensing and Regulation** | Subject to more streamlined regulatory pathways in some regions. | More complex and stringent regulatory processes. | | **Maintenance and Operation** | Lower operational costs and easier maintenance due to size and design. | Higher operational costs and more complex maintenance requirements. | | **Market Focus** | Targeted at small grids, industrial sites, or isolated communities. | Primarily used for large-scale power generation for urban and industrial areas. | ## (Related Content)Related Content ## Clean Energy Technologies: Powering Up Innovation Learn how you can revolutionize low-carbon technologies with an innovative platform. [Discover Clean Energy Technologies](/sustainability/energy-use/clean-energy-technologies) ## Design Safer and Smarter Advanced Nuclear Reactors As a clean and dispatchable electricity source, nuclear energy complements intermittent renewables such as wind and solar to ensure that total power supply reliably meets grid demand. [Discover Advanced Nuclear Reactors](/industries/infrastructure-energy-materials/energy-transition/advanced-nuclear-reactors) ## A Low-Carbon Future With Efficient Nuclear SMR Projects Traceability, continuity and digital configuration management are the key factors contributing to the success of SMR projects. [Unlock Success for Your SMR Projects](/industries/infrastructure-energy-materials/energy-transition/nuclear-smr-projects) ## NAAREA In 18 months, the French startup NAAREA developed from the ground up the virtual twin of its 4th generation reactor – the XAMR – on the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform to master its lifecycle. [Discover NAAREA customer story](/insights/customer-stories/naarea-micro-modular-reactor) ## Bring small modular reactors to life [Download](/media/low-carbon-energy-starts-digitalization) ![Small Modular Reactors > Low-Carbon Energy > Dassault Systèmes](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-10/sao16-energy-use-small-moduular-reactors-hero-banner-1920x900.jpg) [(SAO 16 - Deliver Low-Carbon Energy With Small Modular Reactors - Video loop)](/media/7113)