A new report from the University of Michigan examines the potential expansion of advanced nuclear energy systems, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), and highlights the need for strong governance to avoid repeating past mistakes in technology deployment. The report, titled “The Reactor Around the Corner: Understanding Advanced Nuclear Energy Futures,” outlines both the opportunities and challenges associated with SMRs and other advanced nuclear reactors.
Denia Djokić, assistant research scientist in nuclear engineering and radiological sciences and principal investigator of the project, said, “Unfairness acts through technology in ways that are often invisible, and our research helped us see the complex challenges that advanced nuclear energy introduces, and which demand proactive governance.”
Djokić emphasized that learning from history can help shape policy frameworks that support democratic values. “By learning from history, this report offers policy frameworks that align with democratic values, prioritizing societal equity and environmental protection while mitigating negative consequences. We aim to hold energy policy to high standards so that SMRs serve the public interest and don’t harm the most vulnerable. If implemented effectively, this could help mitigate public mistrust of new nuclear technology.”
The report was produced by the Technology Assessment Project within the Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) program at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. It uses historical case studies from various technological fields to anticipate how emerging technologies like SMRs might impact society.
Shobita Parthasarathy, a senior author of the report, director of STPP and its Technology Assessment Project, and professor of public policy said: “We tend to assume that we cannot anticipate the implications of novel technologies like SMRs, and therefore cannot avoid their risks and harms. But this is incorrect. There are patterns in how technologies are built and affect society, and understanding this and acting proactively enable us to steer technologies toward maximum benefit.”
The report recommends policies to ensure that global nuclear industry practices protect both people and the environment while sharing benefits more broadly. These include oversight mechanisms for technology development as well as regulatory incentives designed to distribute advantages fairly.
Rather than focusing solely on major nuclear incidents such as Fukushima or Chernobyl, researchers analyzed about 40 historical examples from other sectors with similarities in form or societal impact to advanced nuclear energy. This approach revealed not only unintended negative consequences but also effective regulatory responses.
Nora Lewis, first author of the report and a graduate of U-M’s Ford School public policy program stated: “This project shows that it is possible to anticipate the implications of new technologies, and gives new perspective on how we can make meaningful change in the face of looming problems.”
The findings indicate that while SMRs could offer benefits for countries and communities if governed robustly, they may also bring significant social challenges without adequate oversight.
Txai Sibley, co-author of the report and recent graduate in materials science and engineering at U-M College of Engineering commented: “Technology needs to work, but the most important thing is that it works for people.”
Other contributors include Nicholas Stubblefield (nuclear engineering), Michael Redmond (climate/space sciences), and Molly Kleinman (STPP managing director).
