Smaller nuclear reactors (SMRs) are a revolutionary advancement in nuclear energy. They’re smaller, cheaper, and more modular. Although SMRs generate a lower power capacity of less than 300 megawatts (MW) compared with traditional nuclear plants, their wide-ranging benefits make them attractive solutions for the future.
Because of their smaller size and capacity, SMRs can be built more quickly and easily, with lower upfront costs. The modular design also supports more use-case scenarios for isolated areas and lower power demands. Studies show that deploying just one SMR could generate sales of $1 billion and create 7,000 jobs.
The combination of low cost and benefits has made SMRs attractive for national and global energy transition. The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced $900 million in funding to accelerate the next generation of light-water SMRs. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi launched the Conference on Small Modular Reactors by saying: “SMRs are here. The opportunity is here.”
1. The Current State of SMRs in the United States
Nuclear power was discovered in 1895, but it didn’t become a power source until the late 1930s. According to the World Nuclear Association, around 440 nuclear reactors now actively supply 9% of the electricity used internationally. More than 80 SMR designs are currently being developed, with these notable examples.
- NuScale is the only US company to receive approval and certification from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for manufacturing and selling SMRs. It should be operational by 2029.
- Other leaders in the space include TerraPower, which Bill Gates backs in collaboration with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. They plan to begin construction in 2026.
- Kairos Power is also partnering with Google to launch a commercial SMR reactor by 2030.
In addition to the $900 million funding from the DOE, the US government offers grants, loans, public-private partnerships, and other financial incentives to kickstart the SMR industry. The first SMR design was approved in 2023. The latest DOE two-tier funding boost will support US Gen III + SMR technology deployment.
2. The Potential of SMRs in Achieving Clean Energy Goals
SMRs contribute to decarbonization by providing a reliable, low-carbon energy source. They’re positioned to take advantage of new applications and marketing, avoiding 15 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
With their flexibility and modularity, SMRs can supplement renewable energy and support grid stability. Here are some examples of pilot projects and collaborations aimed at integrating SMRs into local and national energy grids.
- NuScale Power partnered with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), a utility consortium, to launch the Carbon Free Power Project. This relationship shows how public-private partnerships (PPPs) expedites the development of new SMR technologies. It also helps to mitigate the costs.
- TerraPower partnered with Southern Company, an energy provider, to combine a molten salt reactor with wind, solar, and energy storage. This match-up shows the power of using SMRs as part of a more comprehensive energy dynamic: a sustainable net-zero future.
3. The Talent Landscape: Emerging Roles and Skills Needed for SMRs
The growth and popularity of the SMRs in the market mean that there is a wide range of available career opportunities. As a skilled professional, you can find options that tap into your talents, including development, research, operations, and construction. Here are some of the most common roles and required skills.
Engineering and Design
You may focus on nuclear, structural, or systems specializations as an engineer. Following regulatory and compliance requirements, you may be involved with the reactor’s performance and safety. You’ll be required to have nuclear physics, thermal engineering, and reactor design skills.
Project Management and Operations
SMRs will require a team of skilled project managers, operations managers, technicians, and safety coordinators. These career opportunities will need skills in project coordination, regulatory compliance, and risk management. You’ll need to demonstrate an understanding of safety procedures and regulations for these roles.
Regulatory and Compliance Experts
SMR installations require a range of professional skills related to compliance, regulatory, and licensing requirements. So, they will support career opportunities for compliance officers, legal advisors, and environmental safety officers. To be prepared for these emerging roles, you must demonstrate knowledge of NRC regulations, environmental standards, and risk assessment.
Cybersecurity and IT
As expected in the nuclear energy industry, safety, security, and IT are key concerns. Cybersecurity analysts, security specialists, and network administrators take on highly valued roles as they plan for and respond to threats while implementing security protocols. For these roles, you’ll need a background in cybersecurity, SCADA systems, and data protection in critical infrastructure.
Skilled Trades and Construction
With the growth and launch of so many SMRs in the next decade, welders, electricians, pipefitters, and construction laborers will be in high demand. Many of the initial jobs associated with these modular reactors will involve building the infrastructure. Required skills include nuclear construction safety, technical certifications, and experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Recruiting Challenges and Opportunities in the SMR Sector
With such great potential comes a range of challenges as you source skilled workers in this very specialized and regulated nuclear industry. With such highly specialized skills and security clearances in the mix, you’ll need to explore training and apprenticeship programs to upskill your workers for the nuclear energy sector.
As you build your onboarding and training initiatives, it becomes even more important for you to identify talented and digitally savvy workers. Then, upskill and reskill your employees to ensure your SMR remains competitive. You can enhance and diversify your workforce by building collaborative efforts between universities, trade schools, and SMR companies to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
However, you also need a reliable recruitment resource to help you tie everything together: recruitment, onboarding, training, tools, and processes. That’s where MRINetwork comes in, with the expertise and best-in-class solutions to ensure you’re ready.
Tap into MRINetwork’s Strategic Recruitment Options
With millions of dollars in funding and $1 billion in sales projections, SMRs have a bright future as a vital part of the US energy landscape, which also means that it’s a promising field for job creation. As SMRs reshape both the energy and job market landscapes in the coming years, now’s the time to tap into strategic recruitment to build your workforce and ensure they’re ready to support your SMR development and operations efforts now and in the future. In highly technical fields, where safety and security are paramount, you need the best. MRINetwork is a global infrastructure of 200+ dedicated recruitment leaders with the capacity and resources to support your search. Contact us at MRINetwork to access our wealth of talented experts. Our global network delivers the resources, training, and support you need.