Part 6/10:
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding SMRs, as of now, there are no commercial small modular reactors in operation. The closest approximation is Russia's Academic Lomonosov, a floating nuclear power plant that demonstrates some potential benefits of smaller nuclear infrastructure. Although not "micro" in scale, this vessel provides energy for remote locations, illustrating the utility of smaller nuclear capabilities while emphasizing the larger concept of modularity.
Manufacturers in the SMR space are optimistic, with timelines suggesting operational prototypes could be functional as early as 2026 or 2027. This hope reflects a growing understanding of the climate challenges our world faces and the need for versatile energy solutions.