Considerations for the Transportation of Sealed SMR Cores

Abstract

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are being considered as alternatives to large nuclear power plants (NPPs) for various applications, including deployment in off-grid and edge-of-grid locations. While being based on mature technological research and operating experience from previous NPPs, the technology is still in the early stages of development and is novel by nature. As such, a number of knowledge gaps need to be addressed including packaging and transport of fuel. This work presents an introductory overview of considerations for the transportation of fully-sealed cores, which is one novelty of some SMRs designs, focusing on transport within Canada and prior to any irradiation of components or fuel.