SMR stands for small modular reactor. There is no universally accepted definition in the industry. The term “SMR” is generally used to describe any reactor technology in the 50 MW to 350 MW electric output range.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission considers Advanced Reactors as those reactor designs that do not use ordinary water as a reactor coolant nor as a neutron moderator (a medium to slow down neutrons during the fission process). These new reactor designs leverage technologies which have been studied, demonstrated, and proven in the United States and around the globe for more than five decades.

The most obvious difference between SMRs and existing commercial nuclear reactors is their size. For example, each of the currently operating reactors at North Anna Power Station generates approximately 950 MWs of electricity. SMR designs generally produce less than 300 MWs of electricity. The footprint of a typical SMR is also substantially smaller than a traditional nuclear power plant, providing siting options that are not typically available for larger, more traditional nuclear facilities. Other innovations in technology and construction practices also reduce capital cost and the time to construct a facility.

Several reactor vendors have SMR designs in varying stages of regulatory approval with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Dominion Energy is reviewing those designs to determine the best options for the company to help meet its net zero emissions goals with a technology that is safe, cost-effective, reliable, and expected to be commercially available to support an in-service date in the early 2030s.

Dominion Energy recognizes its net zero emissions goals cannot be achieved by way of solar, wind, and energy storage alone. SMRs present the opportunity to provide an additional energy source which is available at all hours of the day to complement renewable energy. Achieving Net Zero emissions will require the implementation of several strategies working in tandem.