Comprehensive Digital Approach to SMR

Abstract

Recent developments in both digitalization and small modular reactor (SMR) design provide a unique opportunity for the industry to adopt a new approach that builds on existing technologies and frameworks to reduce costs throughout the SMR lifecycle - from construction, operation, waste storage, to its eventual decommissioning. Digitalizing the SMR manufacturing and construction process and implementing a digitalized framework enables operators to implement digital twinning technologies and asset integrity management systems (AIM), improving SMR quality, mitigating risk, and reducing operating costs. Furthermore, the adoption of such methods opens further avenues through which nuclear energy projects can address public concern and undo the industry’s negative image by helping inform communities and providing quick, transparent, and reliable means of communicating with the public.