Journals / Gazi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi / 2026 / Volume: 12 Issue: 2

Small And Micro-Modular Reactors As A Clean Energy Source: Environmental Impacts And Comparative Analysis

Ömer Faruk Tunçbilek(Türkiye Enerji Nükleer ve Maden Araştırma Kurumu-Temiz Enerji Araştırma Enstitüsü)0000-0002-9156-4025
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-08-31
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings reveal that SMR and MMR have a critical role as a base load in line with net-zero targets, but emphasize that realizing this potential depends on solving structural problems such as nuclear waste, water usage, and proliferation risk.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This article examines Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMR) technologies, which are gaining increasing importance in the global energy transition alongside renewable energy sources on Turkey's path to clean energy independence, through a comparative analysis of their environmental impacts and other resources.
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Key Findings & Data:The study investigates the definition and classification of these reactors, their current global development status, environmental advantages such as low carbon footprint, and various environmental risks, primarily nuclear waste management.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings reveal that SMR and MMR have a critical role as a base load in line with net-zero targets, but emphasize that realizing this potential depends on solving structural problems such as nuclear waste, water usage, and proliferation risk.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Clean Energy · Nuclear Energy · Small Modular Reactor

Abstract

This article examines Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMR) technologies, which are gaining increasing importance in the global energy transition alongside renewable energy sources on Turkey's path to clean energy independence, through a comparative analysis of their environmental impacts and other resources. The study investigates the definition and classification of these reactors, their current global development status, environmental advantages such as low carbon footprint, and various environmental risks, primarily nuclear waste management. In addition, SMR/MMR technologies are evaluated comparatively with fossil fuels and renewable energy sources within the framework of life cycle analysis (LCA). The findings reveal that SMR and MMR have a critical role as a base load in line with net-zero targets, but emphasize that realizing this potential depends on solving structural problems such as nuclear waste, water usage, and proliferation risk.

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Cite This Article

Tunçbilek, Ö. F. (2026). Small And Micro-Modular Reactors As A Clean Energy Source: Environmental Impacts And Comparative Analysis. Gazi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, Volume: 12 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.30855/gmbd.070526A08

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