A new age of nuclear through small modular reactors (SMRs) must be accompanied by robust governance to ensure the industry avoids past mistakes and can boost local economies, a report from the University of Michigan showed.

The report said that while SMRs promised a more reliable low-carbon source of energy and can help solve the problems of nuclear power through improved designs, that they would have “significant social, environmental, ethical, equity, economic and geopolitical impacts”.

According to the university’s research, SMRs would exacerbate global disparities, giving those countries with the technology tools of geopolitical influence. SMRs could also lead to a prioritisation of economic viability over public interests and access to public resources.