Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a risk-informed digital twin specifically designed to enhance the operational efficiency and economic viability of small modular reactors (SMRs). This virtual model, developed in collaboration with GE Vernova Hitachi (GVH) and the University of Tennessee, mirrors real-time plant operations for GVH’s BWRX-300 SMR design.
According to ORNL, a digital twin is a virtual model that adapts with real-time data, which can improve the competitiveness of SMRs by using probabilistic risk assessment to determine the likelihood of potential failure events. The ORNL digital twin tracks SMR equipment health and performance to inform decision-making and decrease the likelihood of unplanned shutdowns, which drive higher operational costs. The technology can also support today’s reactors and future designs.
“This research moves the needle for SMRs, providing a vital tool to make smarter, faster decisions while keeping costs down,” said Dr Michael D Muhlheim, a senior research and development staff member at ORNL, specifically within the Modern Nuclear Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Group.
The BWRX-300 is a single unit, direct-cycle, natural circulation, boiling water reactor with generating capacity of 300 MWe and is designed to have an operational life of 60 years.
In December 2025 the design completed Step 2 of the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA).
