Advanced and Small Modular Reactors’ supply chain: Current status and potential for global cooperation

Abstract

A well-developed and fully coordinated supply chain not only brings down the direct EPC cost but also provides cheaper design options. Most importantly, a local well-established supply chain reduces uncertainty and risks associated with construction time and project cost overrun and hence limits the contingencies which are about 15 % of total investment costs. It is therefore important to fully understand the status of one's supply chain before embarking on a major engineering project. In the recent past, the manufacturing and procurement issues along with immaturity of design and licensing, have caused delays and cost overruns in Gen-III FOAK construction projects in many countries This study includes the attributes of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), their current status and potential capability in the Midwest of the United States for its active participation in nuclear supply chain. Moreover, Applicable codes and standards pertinent to nuclear industry are discussed along with the potential challenges for globalization of nuclear supply chain. Among those, adoptability and acceptance of nuclear codes/standards are major issues. The harmonization of various codes and standards would result in lowering the costs during construction and operation.