Global Surge in Small Modular Reactor Development Highlighted in New NEA Report

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 the development and deployment of these advanced nuclear technologies. The report underscores the growing strategic importance of SMRs in meeting rising electricity demands, enhancing energy security, and achieving carbon emission reduction goals worldwide.

Key Takeaways

An 81% increase in SMR designs securing funding commitments since the previous report.
51 SMR designs are currently in pre-licensing or licensing stages across 15 countries.
Approximately 85 active discussions are underway between SMR developers and potential site owners globally.
Seven SMR designs are already operating or under construction, with a robust pipeline for future deployments.

Intensifying Global Interest in SMRs

NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, stated that the strategic drivers for SMR deployment are intensifying. These include the escalating demand for electricity, particularly from data centers and expanding digital services, alongside critical energy security imperatives and national objectives to curb carbon emissions. Consequently, SMRs are now a fundamental component of energy strategies in an increasing number of countries across the globe.

Progress in Design and Licensing

The latest dashboard analyzed 74 SMR designs, assessing advancements in licensing, siting, financing, supply chain readiness, stakeholder engagement, and fuel availability. The findings indicate that 51 of these designs are actively involved in pre-licensing or licensing processes in 15 different countries. Furthermore, there are around 85 ongoing discussions between SMR developers and site owners worldwide, signaling strong market interest and potential project development.

Financial and Construction Milestones

Significant progress has been observed in the financial backing and construction phases for SMRs. Since the 2024 edition of the dashboard, there has been an impressive 81% surge in the number of SMR designs that have secured at least one funding source or have announced funding commitments. Currently, seven SMR designs are either operational or under construction, with a substantial pipeline of projects moving towards their first-of-a-kind deployment.

Opportunities and Challenges

The diversity of SMR designs offers potential customers a wide array of choices. However, this variety also presents challenges for regulators and the industrial supply chain. The report highlights opportunities to streamline global supply chains, promote standardization among designs, and enhance the overall economic viability of SMRs. The NEA SMR Dashboard now includes detailed information on each design, such as its technology concept, configuration, outlet temperature, size, and fuel type, drawing from verifiable public sources and consultations with designers.

Digital Transformation of the Dashboard

For the first time, the NEA SMR Dashboard is available as an interactive digital platform, providing 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, ensuring the information remains current. The data in this third edition reflects developments as of February 14, 2025.