Small modular reactors hold the promise of improved flexibility and scalability over standard reactors, but additional research and development efforts are needed to get the technology ready for large-scale commercialisation, International Energy Agency executive director Fatih Birol told a meeting in Brussels today.

At the first US-EU High-Level Industrial Forum on Small Modular Reactors, Mr Birol said SMR technology is particularly appealing at a time when some major nuclear plant projects in advanced economies face delays and cost overruns.

He said tackling the challenge of climate change and meeting the world’s other sustainable energy goals will require policy makers to make use of a range of low-carbon fuels and technologies, and this includes nuclear power.