Navigating the SMR Revolution: IAEA’s New Guidance for Nuclear Newcomers

IAEA's Revised Milestones Approach Empowers Countries to Deploy Small Modular Reactors for a Cleaner Future

Editorial Team (ET)October 1, 2026

Nuclear power is increasingly recognized as a key component in the global effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has long provided guidance to countries on how to develop the necessary infrastructure for nuclear power. With the growing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the IAEA has updated its foundational guidance, known as the Milestones Approach, to better address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these innovative technologies.

Understanding the IAEA’s Milestones Approach

The Milestones Approach is a comprehensive, phased methodology designed to guide countries through the complex process of planning, building, operating, and eventually decommissioning their first nuclear power plant. This approach is especially critical for newcomer countries—those that are either considering nuclear power for the first time or seeking to expand an existing nuclear program.

The primary goal of the Milestones Approach is to ensure that countries develop a robust and sustainable nuclear infrastructure. This infrastructure includes not only the physical facilities but also the legal, regulatory, and human resource frameworks necessary to support a safe and effective nuclear power program.

Phases of the Milestones Approach

The Milestones Approach is divided into three distinct phases, each marked by specific objectives that a country must achieve before moving on to the next phase.

Phase 1: Consideration of Nuclear Power

In the first phase, a country evaluates the feasibility of introducing nuclear power. This involves conducting studies, engaging stakeholders, and developing a clear understanding of what nuclear power entails. The goal is to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with a nuclear power program.

Phase 2: Preparatory Work for Nuclear Power

Once a country decides to pursue nuclear power, it enters the second phase, where it undertakes the preparatory work necessary to establish the infrastructure for a nuclear power program. This includes developing a regulatory framework, securing financing, and preparing the workforce.

Phase 3: Implementation of Nuclear Power Programme

In the final phase, the country begins the actual construction and operation of its nuclear power plant. This phase also includes preparing for the eventual decommissioning of the plant, ensuring that all aspects of the program are sustainable in the long term.

Success Stories of the Milestones Approach

The Milestones Approach has been successfully implemented by several countries. A notable example is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which connected its first nuclear unit to the grid in 2020. The UAE's success demonstrates how the Milestones Approach can be effectively used to establish a safe and reliable nuclear power program.

The Role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs, are a new class of nuclear reactors that are smaller in size and power output compared to traditional nuclear reactors. Typically, SMRs have a capacity of less than 300 MWe, making them suitable for a variety of applications, including in regions with smaller electric grids or remote areas where traditional reactors may not be feasible.

While SMRs share many similarities with traditional nuclear reactors, they also have distinct advantages. Their smaller size and modular design allow for faster construction and deployment. Additionally, SMRs can be factory-assembled, which helps reduce costs and improve quality control. However, their lower power output means that multiple SMRs may be needed to achieve the same capacity as a single traditional reactor.

SMRs are gaining attention due to their flexibility and scalability. They can be deployed in a wide range of environments, from remote mining operations to urban data centers. Moreover, SMRs are seen as a key technology for decarbonizing industrial processes, which are often difficult to electrify using renewable energy alone.

The Updated IAEA Guidance on SMRs

The IAEA's updated guidance on the Milestones Approach includes several key additions specific to SMRs. One of the most significant updates is the inclusion of an annex that outlines the unique infrastructure requirements for SMRs. This annex addresses various aspects of SMR deployment, including regulatory considerations, environmental protection, and stakeholder engagement.

SMRs, while similar to traditional reactors, have unique features that necessitate specific infrastructure requirements. For example, the lower power output of SMRs may require different grid integration strategies. Additionally, their simplified designs, which often incorporate advanced safety features, may lead to new regulatory challenges that countries must address.

Challenges and Opportunities in SMR Deployment

One of the primary challenges in deploying SMRs is the development of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks. SMRs, with their novel designs and smaller scale, may not fit neatly into existing regulatory structures designed for traditional nuclear reactors. Countries planning to deploy SMRs must work closely with the IAEA and other international bodies to develop regulations that ensure safety while allowing for innovation.

Environmental protection is a critical aspect of any nuclear power program. While SMRs offer the potential for reduced environmental impact compared to larger reactors, they also present new challenges. For example, some SMR designs use coolants other than water, which may generate new types of radioactive waste. Countries must plan for the safe management and disposal of this waste.

The management of radioactive waste is a significant concern for all nuclear power programs, and SMRs are no exception. The unique designs of SMRs may produce different types and quantities of waste compared to traditional reactors. As such, countries must develop waste management strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of their SMR programs.

SMRs often require new types of nuclear fuel, which may not be readily available through existing supply chains. Countries planning to deploy SMRs must establish secure and reliable fuel supply chains to ensure the consistent availability of fuel. This may involve developing new production facilities or entering into agreements with international suppliers.

Global Adoption of SMRs

SMRs are already being developed and deployed in several countries around the world. For example, Argentina, China, and Russia are all working on SMR projects, with Russia and China having already deployed their first SMRs. These projects demonstrate the potential of SMRs to play a significant role in the global energy landscape.

In addition to established nuclear power nations, several newcomer countries are considering SMRs as part of their future energy strategies. Estonia, Jordan, and Poland are among the countries that have identified SMRs as a key component of their clean energy transitions. These countries are working closely with the IAEA to develop the infrastructure needed to support SMR deployment.

The Future of SMRs in the Clean Energy Transition

The IAEA has emphasized that a significant increase in nuclear power deployments is needed to achieve net-zero carbon goals by 2050. While large reactors will continue to play a major role, SMRs offer a flexible and scalable option that can complement existing nuclear capacity and fill gaps in regions where large reactors may not be feasible.

Energy security is a critical concern for many countries, and SMRs can contribute to enhancing this security by providing reliable, low-carbon power. Their modular design allows for incremental capacity additions, reducing the financial and logistical challenges associated with large-scale nuclear projects.

Beyond electricity generation, SMRs have the potential to play a significant role in decarbonizing industrial applications. Industries such as chemical manufacturing, steel production, and desalination are energy-intensive and often rely on fossil fuels. SMRs can provide a low-carbon alternative that supports the transition to a more sustainable industrial sector.

As more countries consider deploying SMRs, there is a growing need for expertise and training in this area. The IAEA is working to support newcomer countries by providing training programs, workshops, and technical assistance to help them build the necessary human resources and institutional capacity to successfully implement SMR projects.

Conclusion

The IAEA’s updated guidance on the Milestones Approach marks a significant step forward in supporting countries interested in deploying Small Modular Reactors. As the global energy landscape evolves, SMRs are poised to play a crucial role in the clean energy transition, offering flexibility, scalability, and the potential to decarbonize a wide range of applications. By addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of SMRs, the IAEA is helping to ensure that countries are well-equipped to integrate this promising technology into their energy mix.

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