Small-Scale Nuclear: U.S. Prospects and Global Context - Infographic

Small-Scale Nuclear: U.S. Prospects and Global Context

Global Nuclear Expansion

• Operating (2026) - 440 reactors in 31 countries
• Under Construction - 80 reactors
• Planned & Proposed - 120 planned and 300+ proposed
• China leads in construction, planning, and proposals.
• COP 28 - Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy with 38 countries signed on.
• Data Centers & AI demand now a driver of nuclear expansion.

Small Modular Reactor Landscape

• Global Design Maturity (By Share) - Conceptual (40%), Basic Design (18%), Detailed Design (24%), Under Construction (8%), Operating (6%),Other (4%)
• Operational SMRs Worldwide: 4 units - Russia (2), China (1), Japan (1)
• No commercial SMRs operating in the US
• One construction approval - TerraPower, Wyoming. 345 MWe

Future Outlook

•  Key Risks: Technology, Market, Regulatory, Political, and Waste Disposal 
• Most Likely Path: Demonstration Reactors on military bases or federal research sites. Commercial deployment only after proven cost, performance, public acceptance, and regulatory clarity.
• Analysts remain skeptical: Nuclear may remain viable mainly for remote regions, high-cost energy markets, or large industrial loads (ex., data centers). Remote regions, High-cost energy markets, and Large industrial loads.