Small modular reactors (SMRs) should be built underground, including in city centres, to protect them from military attacks, seismic activity and other natural hazards, according to a new academic study.

The recommendations are in a study written by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) senior fellow Alvin Chew. Academy of Engineering Singapore fellow and International Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering fellow Zhou Yingxin co-authored the study.

The study also says undergrounds SMRs can be economical. It says a common misconception about the nuclear industry is that installing a reactor underground will be less economical because of the high cost of underground construction and the space required for nuclear reactors.