Small modular reactors (SMRs) are small nuclear reactors with an electrical output ranging from around 20 megawatts electric (MWe) to 300 MWe. Depending on the technology, they can use different types of coolants, including light water, liquid metal or molten salt.
SMRs incorporate the latest technological and safety features, and many companies and start-ups are currently developing SMR projects.
SMRs and AMRs
‘SMR’ is the general term for these types of reactors. Those that use non-light water technologies are often referred to as advanced modular reactors (AMRs). All of these technologies use nuclear fission to generate heat, which can be used directly or converted into electricity.
The EU’s SMR strategy
The EU’s SMR strategy was adopted in March 2026 to accelerate the development and deployment of SMRs and AMRs in Europe.
It calls for a coordinated approach, consolidating efforts across EU countries, industry, nuclear safety authorities and investors. The aim is to avoid fragmentation, maximise synergies and speed up market readiness.
Alongside interested EU countries, the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs, launched in 2024, plays an essential role in driving implementation. One of the Alliance’s key objectives is to strengthen exchanges and contacts between project promoters, European nuclear safety regulators and other regulatory authorities. Before establishing this Alliance, a collaborative effort was undertaken through European SMR pre-Partnership, bringing together industrial stakeholders, research and technological organisations, interested customers (i.e. utilities and even Member States), as well as European policy-makers and regulators. The initiative aimed to identify the key enabling conditions and potential constraints for the safe design, construction, and operation of SMRs in Europe over the next decade and beyond – ensuring full compliance with the EU and particularly Euratom legislative framework.
All findings from the preparatory phase were consolidated in the European SMR pre-Partnership Summary Document.
ENSREG Task Force on SMRs
To build on these efforts, ENSREG decided to establish a dedicated Task Force on SMRs to ensure, in a timely manner, that the highest standards of nuclear safety are taken into consideration in the development and pre-licensing stage of SMRs in the EU.
Related links
- Small modular reactors explained (Directorate-General for Energy)
- Advancing the safe and sustainable use of small modular reactors (Joint Research Centre)
- Small modular reactors (International Atomic Energy Agency)
- European SMR pre-Partnership
ENSREG has a task force dedicated to Small Modular Reactors. Find more information on the task force here.