Mr. Allison's remarks about excessive regulation are even more (obviously) true for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These plants are all but immune to meltdown and would have a much smaller release than large plants, even if a meltdown were to somehow occur. Developers are saying that all (active?) components could fail and a meltdown would still not result. Also, the maximum potential release (from a hypothetical, non-mechanistic meltdown) would be so small that radiation levels above the natural range would not occur anywhere outside the plant site boundary.



In summary, SMRs are simply incapable of causing any significant harm, under any circumstances. Thus, they should be regulated accordingly. No expensive, burdensome regulations and standard-of-perfection fab QA requirements (that are unique to the nuclear industry). Standard industrial practices should instead be applied to every part of the SMR endeavor (fabrication, operation, etc..).



The hope is that SMRs' lack of potential hazard will (finally) provide enough justification for a fundamental change in practices (and general mindset). If it isn't obvious enough with SMRs, it never will be. Alas, despite this, I expect massive pushback from the world's nuclear regulatory establishment. Large political and legal pressures will have to be brought to bear. The future of nuclear power is literally at stake. But will anyone (or any nation) care enough to put in that effort? Tragically, I have my doubts.