###### Abstract  
This study details the unique advantages and challenges associated with microreactors. Microreactors offer rapid installation and flexible application capabilities, meeting energy needs in remote and inaccessible areas. Unlike large nuclear power plants, they can be set up and start generating energy within a few days, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Their small size and modular design reduce capital and operational costs while enhancing economic competitiveness. However, some technical and regulatory challenges persist for the widespread adoption of microreactors. Licensing processes designed for large nuclear power plants may delay the widespread adoption of microreactors. Blockchain technology can play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges by providing transparency and reliability in the licensing processes. The operational settings of microreactors should be carefully considered, and regulatory authorities must be effectively designated. Collaboration and coordination are vital in this process. Consequently, the flexibility and innovative solutions offered by microreactors highlight the importance of future research to examine the optimal conditions for their use. microreactors; HALEU fuel; blockchain technology; energy production; licensing processes +
Footnote †: journal: Medical Physics Letters  
Micro energy grids (MEGs) present a viable solution by delivering affordable energy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions through combined electricity and heat generation [12; 13]. MEGs operate on a distributed generation concept and ensure stability and reliability with energy storage systems [12; 13; 14]. Various studies have focused on determining the optimal configurations of hybrid energy systems (HES) [15; 16; 17; 18]. Integrating microreactors and large/medium-scale nuclear reactors holds the potential to create a zero-carbon and reliable energy network. Research indicates that integrating microreactors with RES can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing traditional diesel generators [17; 18; 19]. Nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems (N-R HES) are evaluated for their environmental benefits, energy security, and cost-effectiveness, with a particular emphasis on enhancing energy supply security in remote and isolated areas [17; 18; 19; 20]. Microreactors are emerging as new nuclear energy technologies with the potential to provide low-carbon energy [21; 22; 23]. Their growth potential increases considering their ability to enter new markets where large-scale energy technologies are unsuitable [24; 25; 26; 27]. These very small reactors, typically producing less than 1 MWe to 20 MWe, can generate energy using advanced light water reactor (LWR) and non-LWR designs [28; 29; 30; 31]. Maximum power levels can reach up to 50 MWe. They can provide electricity, process heat for direct use, or both [32; 33; 34; 35]. If the challenges related to production and operating costs, as well as regulatory and institutional barriers, can be overcome, microreactors have the potential to fill unmet needs in energy portfolios where fossil fuel limitations are evident [33; 34; 35; 36]. Microreactors can also become competitive in areas without large electrical grids, where fuel delivery is cumbersome or expensive, where economies of scale do not apply, or where space constraints or specific weather conditions make renewables unfeasible [32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40]. The ongoing technological advancements in microreactor designs offer both potential and hurdles for their integration into energy portfolios [41; 42; 43]. Innovations in microreactors can aid national low-carbon strategies and bolster resilience objectives in areas where severe weather and other unexpected events threaten security, safety, and economic stability [44; 45]. The significance of microreactors grows with global concerns about energy supply security and resilience.