Digital Technology Strategy for Small Modular Reactors

Abstract

Organizations planning to deploy a fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) intend to make a leap forward in both efficiency and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) cost reduction, as compared to traditional nuclear reactor operations. This leap needs to be achieved without eroding nuclear safety, security, and equipment reliability. It requires the SMR operators to re-think technology usage, enabling autonomous operation and radically streamlining business processes. SMR operators must leverage the usage of digital technologies at all levels of the Purdue model, from the plant floor to the control room to the board room, to realize the SMR vision. This paper outlines the digital technology challenges particular to SMR operations and proposes a strategic approach to investment to meet these challenges.