Global Surge in Small Modular Reactor Development Highlighted by New NEA Dashboard

September 12, 2025

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has released its third edition of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Dashboard, revealing a significant global expansion in SMR deployment interest and progress. The report underscores the growing role of SMRs in national energy strategies, driven by increasing electricity demand, energy security concerns, and carbon emission reduction goals.

Key Takeaways

74 SMR designs analyzed, with 51 in pre-licensing or licensing stages across 15 countries.
81% increase in SMR designs securing funding commitments since the previous report.
Seven SMR designs are currently operating or under construction.
An interactive digital platform now provides direct access to the NEA’s SMR database.

Expanding Global Footprint

The latest NEA SMR Dashboard indicates a robust global interest in small modular reactors, with 74 designs analyzed for advancements in licensing, siting, financing, supply chain readiness, stakeholder engagement, and fuel requirements. NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, stated that SMRs are becoming a central component of energy strategies worldwide, fueled by escalating electricity needs, particularly from data centers and digital services, alongside imperatives for energy security and national climate objectives.

Progress in Licensing and Funding

The dashboard reveals that 51 SMR designs are currently engaged in pre-licensing or licensing processes in 15 different countries. Furthermore, there are approximately 85 active discussions underway globally between SMR developers and potential site owners. A notable surge in financial backing has also been observed, with an 81% increase in SMR designs securing at least one funding source or announcing funding commitments since the 2024 edition of the dashboard.

Operational and Pipeline Projects

Currently, seven SMR designs are either operational or under construction, indicating a strong pipeline of projects moving towards first-of-a-kind deployment. The diversity of these designs offers a wide array of choices for potential customers, though it also presents challenges for regulators and the industrial supply chain. The report identifies opportunities to streamline global supply chains, promote standardization, and enhance the economic viability of SMR technologies.

Enhanced Data Accessibility

For the first time, the NEA SMR Dashboard is available as a digital interactive platform, offering direct access to the NEA’s SMR database. This digital format allows for ongoing data collection and more frequent updates to the NEA’s assessments. The data in the third edition reflects developments as of February 14, 2025.