Supply Chain Feasibility Analysis of Small Modular Reactor Technology

The feasibility of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in providing a lower-cost power-generation alternative to large nuclear power plants has been suggested widely in recent years, but remains a largely undeveloped technology. Published reports have identified many of the challenges of building SMR technology, with the major ones being industrial capacity, local manufacturing, forging capability, competitiveness in global market, and supply chain management. This paper focuses on the adaption of supply chain management concepts and practices of nuclear power companies, in particular Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, which supports the nucleation of an SMR economy in the state of Missouri. The SCOR framework is used to define supply chain processes and partnerships in Missouri that will be essential in the establishment of SMR operations. The framework builds on findings from a review of open literature including modular specifications, economic reports, and supplier information for the state of Missouri and the U.S. This study investigates several key factors that influence the supply chain process: strategic supplier partnership, achievement of efficiency gains, supplier qualification/supplier development, and sustainability. The findings are intended to provide an overview of existing supply chain management best practices through a case study designed to formulate the development of an SMR supply chain