Micro-reactors can be cost competitive for remote applications such as arctic communities, islands, mines, and defense installations.
These very small nuclear reactors provide a combination of benefits not provided by other energy sources—they are highly resilient, carbon-free, flexible, and can produce electricity on demand and can operate for years without the need to refuel. This report assesses the cost competitiveness of stationary micro-reactors for use at enduring locations, and does not include consideration of mobile micro-reactors for shorter duration operations.