New types of nuclear facilities – using small modular reactors and novel advanced reactors – are seen as potential low-carbon source of electricity to complement renewables. These new concepts seek to replace the traditional large nuclear power plants with smaller facilities, housing clusters of small reactors. If realized, this will lead to new challenges for nuclear security and safeguards, due to the logistics of safeguarding more sites, the infrastructure required for higher fuel enrichment, and the technological challenges of verifying the operation of compact reactors. Additionally, these new fuel types could also lead to economic dependencies, especially while fabrication capacity is still being developed. However, because this area is still undergoing active research and development, there is an opportunity to address these concerns by developing verification techniques and by including security and safeguards measures into design of new power plant.
Bibliographic record
Schnellbach, Y.-J. (2025). Advanced Reactors and International Security. In: Göttsche, M.; Reis, K. & Daase, C. (Eds.). New Realities of AI in Global Security. CNTR Monitor – Technology and Arms Control 2025. PRIF – Peace Research Institute Frankfurt.
Author
Yan-Jie Schnellbach
