ADI examined where small modular reactors could realistically supply power and steam across refineries, LNG terminals, and large chemical complexes with high baseload demand. The analysis combined asset‑level screening, operator interviews, and comparisons across SMR design classes to test fit against gas‑fired alternatives. Particular attention was paid to siting constraints, operating reliability, and adoption hurdles rather than theoretical economics alone.
The client
U.S. national laboratory
The situation
Operators faced uncertainty over nuclear economics, permitting, and operational fit.
ADI’s contributions
Primary operator research
Conducted structured interviews across oil, gas, refining, LNG, and chemical operators.
Proprietary asset screening
Screened assets using ADI criteria on energy intensity and steam demand.
Technology fit assessment
Evaluated SMR designs against industrial power and reliability needs.
Strategic prioritization
Identified segments with the strongest adoption logic and policy alignment.
Key outcomes
- Prioritized segments and asset types most likely to adopt SMRs, guiding partnership and outreach strategy.
More insights
Article
CBAM puts a new price tag on emissions
On April 7, 2026, the European Commission announced the first official Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate price for Q1 2026 at €75.36 per tonne of CO2 equivalent (~$88/t CO2e), marking the EU’s first explicit carbon price applied to imported goods. This rate will be applied to the embedded emissions in CBAM-covered imports and is […]
Article
Cooling fluids are becoming a constraint in AI data centers
Immersion cooling fluids are taking on more importance as data‑center operators deploy higher‑power artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Rack densities are increasing faster than traditional air systems can accommodate, and liquid cooling is now part of the design discussion for many new builds and retrofits. In that context, fluid properties affect reliability, […]
Premium content
Implications of UAE’s exit from OPEC
Part of ADI Analytics’ ongoing coverage of the implications of the Iran conflict across oil & gas, LNG, refined products, and chemicals. The UAE’s exit from OPEC (see our prior blog) in late April 2026 reflects a decisive shift toward a volume‑driven strategy focused on monetizing its hydrocarbon resource base ahead of the global energy […]