“Drill Baby Drill” vs. “Plug Baby Plug”: Can nuclear power rise to the challenge - and can Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) be part of the global solution for energy security and reliability?
As the world’s demand for electricity surges - driven by AI, data centers, electrification, and the rapid growth of emerging economies - nuclear energy stands out for delivering low-emission, reliable baseload power. Beyond leveraging current and restarted reactors, could SMRs hold the key to powering our future?
Why SMRs?
- Smaller, modular design allowing for faster deployment and cost efficiencies.
- Off-site manufacturing reduces construction complexity.
- Adaptable for a range of uses, from remote communities to large-scale grids.
According to the IEA, with robust innovation and strong government support, we could see 120 GW of SMR capacity globally by 2050. There’s already major momentum in:
- United States: Leading SMR development, with ongoing support for advanced reactor demonstrations.
- China: Rapid R&D, fueled by intense competition and innovation.
- India: Budget 2025 allocated ₹20,000 crores (~$2.4B) for SMR R&D and deployment.
- United Kingdom: Great British Nuclear (GBN) unveils an £890M–£1.1B commercial pipeline, poised to select two SMR suppliers.
- France: “France 2030” invests EUR 1B in new nuclear and SMRs.
- Canada: Committed CAD $1B to SMR development for a cleaner energy mix.
At SDI, we are partnering with clients to explore SMRs, other nuclear energy, and other energy opportunities - helping define and implement strategies for global energy security and decarbonization, ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget.
What do you think?
Will SMRs be a game-changer for the future of energy?
Could we face a uranium shortage - and if so, how do we overcome it?
Let’s shape the next frontier of meeting future power needs - together!