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Small modular reactors provide nuclear energy solutions for underdeveloped countries
By ljdevon // 2025-03-06
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In a world where 8 billion people share finite natural resources, the disparity in energy access between wealthy and developing nations has become a defining challenge of the 21st century. While developed nations thrive on abundant electricity, hundreds of millions in developing economies remain in the dark, unable to access the power needed to fuel economic growth and improve living standards. Enter Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a next-generation nuclear technology that promises to revolutionize energy access by offering scalable, affordable, and sustainable solutions. With the potential to deliver clean, reliable electricity to remote and under served regions, SMRs could be the key to unlocking a brighter future for developing economies.

The energy divide: a global challenge

The link between electricity access and economic prosperity is one of the most robust correlations in social science. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), access to electricity is defined not just by availability but also by safe cooking facilities and a minimum level of consumption. For rural households, this threshold is set at 250 kWh per year, while urban households require 500 kWh. Yet, in stark contrast, the average U.S. residential customer used 10,791 kWh in 2022—43 times the rural minimum. This disparity highlights a critical issue: Without reliable electricity, developing economies cannot achieve the industrial and agricultural growth needed to lift their populations out of poverty. Traditional renewable energy sources like wind and solar, while valuable, are often intermittent and unreliable, making them unsuitable for the continuous, dispatchable power required for sustained economic development. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a groundbreaking shift in nuclear energy technology. Unlike traditional reactors, SMRs are compact, modular, and designed with flexibility in mind. Their advantages are particularly well-suited to the needs of developing economies:
  • Lower upfront costs: SMRs require significantly less capital investment than traditional reactors, making them more accessible for countries with limited financial resources.
  • Faster deployment: With construction timelines as short as three years, SMRs can be operational far quicker than conventional nuclear plants.
  • Siting flexibility: SMRs can be installed in remote or underdeveloped areas, bypassing the need for extensive infrastructure.
  • Scalability: Their modular design allows for incremental capacity additions, enabling countries to scale energy production as demand grows.
  • Enhanced safety: Simplified designs and passive cooling systems make SMRs inherently safer than traditional reactors.

A sustainable future powered by nuclear innovation

South Africa, with its rich history of nuclear expertise, is emerging as a leader in SMR development. South African engineers and scientists, many of whom have been absorbed into global private industries, are driving innovation in this field. According to estimates from South African nuclear companies, SMRs could deliver electricity at a cost of 0.12/kWh by the third plant, with costs projected to drop to 0.01/kWh as production scales and recycled materials are incorporated. One of the most compelling aspects of nuclear energy is its longevity. Current nuclear reactors use only 3% of the energy available in nuclear fuel, leaving 97% of the energy still accessible in Slightly Used Nuclear Fuel (SUNF). Advanced reactor designs, including SMRs and fast reactors, can harness this remaining energy, extending the lifespan of nuclear power to an estimated 50,000 years or more. As the authors of the article note, “Nuclear generated electricity and a rapid roll-out of Small Modular Reactors is the fastest way to cast a lasting beacon of light in forgotten developing worlds living in the dark.” This sentiment reflects a broader truth: the energy challenges facing developing economies are not just technical but moral. The failure to provide reliable electricity to billions of people perpetuates inequality and stifles human potential. The time to embrace nuclear energy as a solution to global energy inequality is now. SMRs offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between developed and developing economies, providing clean, reliable power where it is needed most. As the authors aptly put it, “Now is as good a time, as we are going to get to take the critical leap as a species to nuclear power.” In a universe shaped by the remnants of collapsing stars and supernovae, nuclear energy represents a gift from the cosmos—a dense, nearly infinite source of power waiting to be harnessed. By investing in SMRs and next-generation nuclear technologies, humanity can illuminate the darkest corners of the world, fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and ensuring a sustainable future for all. The choice is clear: the light of progress must shine for everyone, not just the privileged few. Sources include: Whatsupwiththat.com EIA.gov Enoch, Brighteon.ai
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