A potential solution could be to aim as soon as possible for a demonstration of the advantages of SMRs. This could be most effective in the framework of an international joint venture. In any case, an important goal would be to reduce the number of designs. Differences in regulations among different countries often require various design changes, which increase the cost of developing SMRs. There is a lack of capital for development.
Heat generation faces additional problems.
Nuclear heat is currently not cost-competitive with fossil fuels, and district heating is additionally burdened by the distribution costs. One should also compare alternate forms of energies based on all relevant aspects, including costs not borne by the producers, such as pollution or health effects. There are other factors that may affect the deployment of SMRs. Part of the population is generally opposed to any form of nuclear energy, although, as mentioned earlier, the opposition may be less in the case of smaller reactors. There is also general uneasiness with regard to advanced technology, as well as fear of radiation.