Light water reactors dominate the commercial market for nuclear power. Historically, the requirements of large national markets with big electricity grids have driven the development of nuclear power reactors, resulting in commercial units of about 1,000 megawatts. Until very recently markets with much smaller grids and less developed technical infrastructures have had little impact on power reactor designs and technologies. A different reactor design approach, tailored to this market segment, could help meet the rising power demands associated with economic growth and urbanization, while avoiding the use of fossil fuels that would otherwise produce greenhouse gases.

Grid-appropriate reactors may be the best choice for expanding the use of nuclear energy in these markets. As envisioned, these reactors would be safe, simple to operate, proliferation-resistant and secure, having these key requirements integrated into the design of the reactor.