Nuclear Reactor: Top 10 Projects & Companies

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Powering the Future with Compact Nuclear Energy

Imagine a world where clean, reliable energy is accessible anywhere, from bustling city centers to remote data farms. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are poised to make that vision a reality. These compact nuclear power plants offer a scalable and versatile solution to meet growing energy demands while minimizing environmental impact. Let’s explore the exciting landscape of SMR deployments happening around the globe.

Installations: SMR Projects Taking Shape

Here’s a look at some of the most significant SMR projects planned or underway, showcasing the diverse applications and the growing interest in this game-changing technology:

1. Taishan Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 & 2 (China)

Company: Not specified in provided documents.
Installation Capacity: 2 x 1750 MWe (3500 MWe total)
Applications: Electricity generation
Source: What was the most powerful nuclear reactor (both theoretical and …

2. Google Data Center SMR Fleet (Multiple Locations)

Company: Kairos Power, Google
Installation Capacity: 500 MW fleet of molten salt reactors, units not specified, expected to be a fleet of SMRs.
Applications: Powering Data Centers
Source: Google Bets Big on Nuclear: Inks Deal with Kairos Power for 500 …

3. Amazon SMR Deployment (Multiple Locations)

Company: X-energy, Amazon
Installation Capacity: 5 GW total deployment by 2039; initial project is a four-unit 320 MWe plant (1280 MWe total).
Applications: Powering Amazon’s operations
Source: Amazon Backs Massive Nuclear SMR Deployment: 5 GW with X …

4. Holtec SMR-300 Project at Palisades Nuclear Generating Station (Michigan, USA)

Company: Holtec International
Installation Capacity: Two SMR-300 reactors, totaling 600 MW.
Applications: Electricity generation, powering approximately 300,000 homes per reactor.
Source: Holtec plans first US-built modular nuclear reactors at Palisades

5. NuScale VOYGR Plant (Potential Deployment with KGHM Polska Miedź SA)

Company: NuScale Power, KGHM Polska Miedź SA (potential deployment)
Installation Capacity: VOYGR-12 SMR power plant featuring 12 NuScale Power Modules at 77 MWe each, totaling 924 MWe.
Applications: Power generation.
Source: Top 5 SMR Tech to Keep an Eye on in 2025

6. Sweden SMR Park (Valdemarsvik)

Company: Not specified in provided documents.
Installation Capacity: Four to six small light-water reactors, adding between 10-15 TWh of clean firm electricity (Capacity depends on reactor size).
Applications: Electricity generation.
Source: Sweden / SMR Project Company Announces New Candidate Site …

7. Deep Atomic Compact Reactor

Company: Deep Atomic
Installation Capacity: 60 MW
Applications: Powering Data Centers.
Source: Switzerland / Nuclear Startup Unveils Compact Reactor ‘Specifically …

8. Darlington New Nuclear Project (Canada)

Company: OPG
Installation Capacity: Not specified in provided documents.
Applications: Advancement of SMR technology in Canada.
Source: Small modular reactors | Darlington SMR – OPG

9. BWRX-300 SMR

Company: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Installation Capacity: 300 MW
Applications: 24/7 on-demand, carbon-free power.
Source: BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor | GE Hitachi Nuclear – GE Vernova

10. CAREM25 (Argentina)

Company: Not specified in provided documents.
Installation Capacity: 32 MW
Applications: PWR with 32 MW capacity and 100 MW core thermal power.
Source: [PDF] Global-Situation-Small-Modular-Reactor-Development-Deployment …

Table: SMR Installations Around the World

Industry Adoption: From Grid Power to Data Center Dominance

The versatility of SMRs shines through in their diverse applications. While traditional electricity generation remains a core function, the projects highlight a growing trend of SMRs powering energy-intensive operations like data centers. The deals struck by Google and Amazon underscore the increasing demand for reliable, carbon-free power in the digital economy. These tech giants aren’t just dipping their toes in the water; they are making substantial, long-term commitments, suggesting a profound shift in how data centers will be powered in the future. This shift from grid applications like the Holtec project in Michigan toward specialized applications like data centers indicates that the scalability and footprint advantages of SMRs are especially valued in contexts where space is limited and continuous uptime is critical.

Geography: A Global Race to Nuclear Innovation

The geographical distribution of these projects reveals a global race to embrace SMR technology. North America is a strong contender, with significant projects underway in the US and Canada. The Holtec project in Michigan aims to revitalize a retired nuclear site, demonstrating the potential to repurpose existing infrastructure. Meanwhile, Canada’s Darlington project focuses on advancing SMR technology. Europe is also making strides, with Sweden planning an SMR park to boost its clean energy supply. Argentina’s CAREM25 represents South America’s early efforts, and China’s existing, larger reactor shows their continued investment in nuclear. This widespread adoption indicates a broad international consensus on the potential of SMRs to contribute to a sustainable energy future. The absence of projects in some regions also signifies a market opportunity.

Tech Maturity: Scaling Up and Refining Designs

The installation data provides valuable insights into the technological maturity of SMRs. While some projects like Taishan are based on proven large reactor technology, many others are pushing the boundaries with innovative designs. The NuScale VOYGR plant, with its modular approach, exemplifies the scalability that defines SMRs. Projects like Kairos Power’s molten salt reactors represent a move toward advanced reactor designs that promise improved safety and efficiency. The existence of demonstration projects, commercial deployments, and planned large-scale installations suggests that SMR technology is progressing along a well-defined development pathway, from initial concept to widespread adoption. The CAREM25 project, with its smaller capacity, may represent earlier stages of development.

Forward-Looking Insights and Summary: SMRs Poised to Revolutionize Clean Energy

The projects highlighted paint a picture of a rapidly evolving SMR landscape. The trend toward powering data centers suggests a growing demand for on-site, carbon-free energy solutions. The diversity in reactor designs indicates that innovation is thriving, with companies exploring various technologies to optimize performance and safety. As regulatory frameworks become more streamlined and public acceptance grows, we can expect to see even wider deployment of SMRs, paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy future. The strategic partnerships between tech giants and SMR developers signal a long-term commitment to nuclear energy. We are likely to see SMRs becoming increasingly integrated into various sectors, including industrial processes, district heating, and even remote communities, providing reliable and sustainable energy wherever it is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) compared to traditional nuclear power plants?
SMRs offer several advantages, including scalability (allowing them to be deployed in various sizes), versatility in applications (from electricity generation to powering data centers), and potentially lower upfront costs due to modular construction. They can also be deployed in locations unsuitable for larger reactors.

Which industries are showing the most interest in adopting SMR technology?
While electricity generation remains a key application, industries with high energy demands and a need for carbon-free power, such as data centers (as evidenced by Google and Amazon’s investments), are showing significant interest in SMRs. This trend suggests a shift towards on-site, reliable energy solutions.

Where are the most active regions for SMR development and deployment?
North America (US and Canada) and Europe (particularly Sweden) are currently leading the way in SMR development and deployment. Projects are also underway in Argentina and China, indicating a global interest in the technology.

What different SMR technologies are being explored?
Various SMR technologies are being explored, including light-water reactors (LWRs), molten salt reactors, and other advanced designs. The NuScale VOYGR plant exemplifies a modular approach, while Kairos Power’s molten salt reactors represent a move towards improved safety and efficiency.

How will SMRs impact the future of clean energy?
SMRs are poised to play a significant role in the future of clean energy by providing a reliable, carbon-free power source that can be deployed in various locations and for diverse applications. Strategic partnerships between tech giants and SMR developers signal a long-term commitment, and as regulatory frameworks become more streamlined, wider deployment of SMRs is expected.