Small modular reactors that would be suitable for Australia are at an advanced stage of development in several countries and could offer the lowest cost and safest form of reliable energy generation, energy consultancy SMR Nuclear Technology has told an inquiry into possible new nuclear.

In a written submission to the inquiry, called by energy minister Angus Taylor, the Sydney-based company said the high capital cost of traditional large-scale reactors may make them unfeasible in Australia but the advent of SMRs with their lower capital cost and an operating life of up to 80 years is likely to make them “a game-changer”.