Fully ceramic microencapsulated (FCM) fuels are identified as suitable fuel forms for development and deployment of SMR technologies. High thermal conductivity of the composite fuel coupled with its exceptional radiation and environmental stability enable monolithic compact cores for SMR applications. Meanwhile the built-in redundancy of multiple layers for fission-product retention alleviates the need for structurally demanding pressure vessels and containment buildings. All of the above will enable the reactor designer to achieve a compact and passively safe SMR through utilization of a flexible fuel technology that is currently under active development.

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