What we can learn from adjacent industries for innovation in advanced manufacturing for serial production of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

Small modular nuclear reactor (SMNR) deployment warrants different approaches and techniques than typical large nuclear construction. Modularization and serial production are needed for SMNRs to achieve nth-of-a-kind costs and schedule improvements for deployments. Aerospace and petrochemical are examples of industries that have successfully delivered quickly, applying economies of scale and multiples through advanced manufacturing techniques. These industries offer unique perspectives from which the SMNR industry can learn to improve the overall manufacturability and constructability of sub-assemblies and modules. This paper will explore how primary applications of advanced manufacturing in adjacent industries can be applied to the SMNR industry. Evaluation of the technical readiness of some of these advanced manufacturing techniques along with their availability within Canada will be explored together with understanding if potential clusters exist to create a supplier ecosystem for advanced SMNR manufacturing.