ESTIMATE OF POTENTIAL MARKET IN INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES

This evaluation of the potential market for smaller-sized nuclear reactors in OECD countries was provided by the OECD/NEA. The scope and methodology used in this section differs in some respects from that used in Section 5.3 (and elsewhere in the report) and care should be taken when comparing data between the two sections. 

The purpose of this section is to provide a broad technical outline of the market potential for smaller-sized nuclear power reactors in OECD countries. Smaller-sized nuclear power reactors are defined as those with net output capacities of 700 MWe or less. This range may be further sub-divided into four categories mini-reactors of less than 50 MWe, small nuclear reactors (SPRs) from 50 to 200 MWe, small to medium-sized power reactors (SMPRs) from 200 to 400 MWe, and medium-sized power reactors (MPRs) from 400 to 700 MWe. This section focuses on SMPRs and MPRs, with special emphasis on SMPRs. 

There are several reasons why industrialized countries may consider building smaller-sized power reactors. Those suggested by a number of sources are reported in this section and the more important of them are evaluated. 

One key factor which must be evaluated by any utility considering a smaller nuclear reactor is its economics relative to alternatives such as coal-fired plants or perhaps larger nuclear plants. These relative economics are not addressed in detail in this section but are covered in Section 4,3.2. 

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