Community and siting impacts on small modular reactor operability and design

Small Modular Reactors are currently a common theme. Significant research and development has been done regarding the practical aspects of the designs to ensure that they will function and address some key elements. While the technical feasibility for these designs is reasonably underway, the acceptance of the designs from the cost, community, and operability viewpoint needs further discussion. This work explores some of the issues associated with the impact of site location, and community issues that may need to be considered. The results suggest that the capital cost, while important, may not be the dominating cost factor. This work will explore some of the considerations related to siting an SMR near and remote from a community and the impact on the design.