New Publication in Safety Science on Micro and Small Modular Reactor Safety

I am pleased to share our recent publication in Safety Science (Elsevier), titled “Phase-based safety review of Micro and Small Modular Reactors from design to decommissioning.”

Micro and Small Modular Reactors (MSMRs) are gaining attention as a potential source of clean and resilient nuclear energy. However, their widespread deployment depends on strong safety practices across all project phases. This paper examines safety considerations from reactor design and regulatory approval to construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning.

Using a structured review of 94 published studies, we identified key safety principles and regulatory challenges that shape MSMR development. The findings highlight the importance of inherent and passive safety features, simplified reactor design, and containment systems in preventing accidents. The study also identifies major regulatory gaps, including licensing challenges for new reactor designs and the lack of clear evaluation frameworks for passive safety systems.

By organizing safety issues across the full lifecycle of MSMRs, the paper provides a clearer roadmap for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders working toward safe and responsible reactor deployment.

The article is available here:
Read the paper on ScienceDirect