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

September 14, 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 development and deployment. The report underscores the growing strategic importance of SMRs driven by increasing electricity demand, energy security concerns, and national climate goals.

Key Takeaways

The NEA SMR Dashboard now identifies 127 distinct SMR designs globally.
51 SMR designs are currently undergoing pre-licensing or licensing processes in 15 countries.
There are approximately 85 active discussions between SMR developers and potential site owners worldwide.
Funding for SMR designs has seen an 81% increase since the previous edition, with seven designs already operating or under construction.

Intensifying Strategic Drivers

NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, stated that the "strategic drivers for SMR deployment – rising electricity demand, including from data centres and expanding digital services, energy security imperatives and national goals set by many countries to reduce carbon emissions – are intensifying." He further noted that SMRs are now a "core part of the energy strategies in an increasing number of countries in all parts of the world."

Progress in Licensing and Funding

The latest assessments indicate substantial progress in the regulatory and financial aspects of SMR deployment. Fifty-one SMR designs are actively engaged in pre-licensing or licensing procedures across 15 nations. Furthermore, the number of SMR designs that have secured at least one funding source or announced funding commitments has surged by 81% since the 2024 edition of the dashboard.

Operational Status and Pipeline

Currently, seven SMR designs are either operational or under construction, with a robust pipeline of projects advancing towards their first-of-a-kind deployment. The diversity of these designs offers a wide array of choices for potential customers, although it also presents challenges for regulators and the industrial supply chain.

Digital Platform and Future Outlook

For the first time, the NEA SMR Dashboard is available as an interactive digital platform, providing direct access to the NEA’s SMR database with ongoing data collection for more frequent updates. The report highlights opportunities to streamline global supply chains, promote standardization, and enhance the economic viability of SMRs. Challenges remain, particularly concerning the supply of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel, with over 60% of designs relying on fuel forms not yet commercially available.