SMRs expected to provide one-quarter of new global nuclear capacity by 2050
Anadolu Agency-ISTANNUL
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are expected to account for about one-quarter of new global nuclear capacity by 2050 as rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence, expanding data centres and accelerating electrification fuel a renewed wave of nuclear investment.
The smaller footprint, lower upfront capital costs, modular design, shorter construction times and greater deployment flexibility of SMRs have made them one of the most closely watched technologies in the nuclear sector.
SMRs are increasingly viewed as a suitable option for powering hyperscale data centres, energy-intensive industries and remote locations where uninterrupted electricity supply is critical. Several SMR projects have also entered licensing, demonstration or early construction phases, although large-scale commercial deployment is expected to accelerate during the 2030s.
