Small Nuclear? Yes — It's a Thing

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are nuclear reactor designs intended to provide smaller increments of generating capacity than traditional large commercial reactors. Their modular approach is intended to allow standardized manufacturing and the addition of reactor units as demand grows.

SMRs are not yet a routine source of commercial electricity in the United States. The technology remains in licensing, development, and early-deployment stages. In 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded funding to eight companies to address licensing, supply-chain, and site-preparation barriers for advanced light-water SMR deployment. DOE says those efforts are aimed at supporting new generation in the 2030s.

Ohio already has two operating commercial nuclear plants, Perry and Davis-Besse. Advanced nuclear proposals are also being discussed in connection with future data-center and industrial electricity demand. That makes SMRs relevant to the conversation – but they should be treated as an emerging option rather than electricity that is available immediately.