Comment by throwaway2037

I agree with the sentiment of your post. In short: "I'll believe it when then finally build and operate one."

About decommission: (segway first) When the United States Navy decommissions nuclear submarines (and there are a lot!), they basically chop out the nuclear reactor whole, then seal in a giant steel box, and bury it in an open trench. It called "Trench 94" at Hanford Site, Washington (state). You can read about it here[1]. The photos are weirdly dystopian. You can also see it on Google Maps here[2].

How do small modular reactors (SMRs) plan to decommission? Can they follow a similar route as the US Navy? Honestly, I don't know if the size is comparable, or if "sealed in a big steel box" will also work for SMRs.

[1] https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a46065875/trench-9...

[2] https://maps.app.goo.gl/JJSQXzdiA4qTyYZt5