The challenge of community acceptance of small nuclear reactors

Abstract

Nuclear power is being promoted as a safe and reliable energy source that can contribute to the decarbonization goals of nations and states. A great deal of recent attention is on the role of small modular reactors and micro-reactors for providing heat and electricity. To be impactful, many hundreds of these small capacity reactors would have to be deployed rapidly. Consequently, hundreds of communities in a wide variety of settings would need to host reactors. This is a formidable challenge. Multiple criticisms have been leveled against proponents' claims that this challenge will be met, including economic factors. A review of the literature about small modular reactors and micro-reactors found that both advocates and critics largely ignore the challenge of community acceptance. Drawing upon the literature into the siting of other kinds of controversial facilities, this review identified obstacles and opportunities for decision processes that seek community acceptance. It explores the relevance of those insights to the siting of small capacity reactors. While some communities are likely to embrace the opportunity to host reactors, experiences across a range of facility siting efforts reinforces the conclusion that site-specific community opposition is likely to be another major obstacle to large-scale deployment of small capacity nuclear reactors thereby jeopardizing their potential contribution to decarbonization.