allowing for larger plants to be built . Proponents also claim they will be faster , cheaper and less risky to build while safer to operate . Jeanneau and Assystem are staunch advocates .
“ SMRs are very interesting ,” Jeanneau says . “ In the US we are starting to see some interest in SMR startups , which is encouraging . These smaller reactors open up the industry to organisations which aren ’ t either state-owned or large multinationals , which have dominated the industry in the past .
“ The fact they are smaller and therefore easier to build is certainly one key characteristic , but for me the most interesting characteristic of SMRs is that they are modular , and you can prefabricate off-site and assemble on-site at the last moment .
“ By being able to construct these off-site and transport them , it opens up potential to become very competitive in producing SMRs in one country and selling all over the world . The next step is to create a common licensing strategy .”
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