Sam and three co-authors reported in mid-2023 that small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining significant interest for their reduced footprint, lower power output, modularity, and innovative features. The licensing of SMRs is key to their successful deployment. 
However, the literature on this subject area is limited and often fragmented among other characteristics of the SMRs, thus failing to address the licensing aspects distinctly. [Likely confidential in the industries; very little information would be expected in the scientific literature from academics].
Nonetheless, the authors employed a systematic literature review to identify the potential nuclear licensing barriers and challenges that can influence the deployment of SMR and to provide an overview of their implications. The authors differentiate between licensing barriers and challenges as follows.
The licensing barriers are likely to affect the deployment of SMRs for over a decade and necessitate the collaboration of multiple organizations. The licensing challenges can be resolved within ten years and can [could?] be led by a single organization to deliver the solution. The licensing barriers are: (
1) existing legal and regulatory framework;
2) prescriptive regulatory framework;
3) novelty in the technology;
4) regulatory fragmentation; and
5) absence of in-factory certification.
The licensing challenges are:
1) fees charged by regulators;
2) regulatory capability gaps; and
3) lengthy licensing duration.
The identified barriers and challenges have implications on the project timeline and cost, consequently affecting the overall economics of the SMR.
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
