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Lecture

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

About

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are attracting growing international interest as a potential new generation of nuclear technology. But what makes an SMR different from a conventional nuclear power plant and what role could it play in a future low-carbon energy system? This lecture provides an overview of the technology, key characteristics and technological maturity of SMRs, together with their potential advantages and limitations. It examines applications extending beyond electricity generation, including integration with renewable energy, hydrogen production, water desalination, industrial heat, transport and other energy-intensive applications. Recent research shows that the combination of firm low-carbon generation with variable renewables can create new opportunities for integrated energy-water-hydrogen systems. The lecture will also address the issues that will ultimately determine whether SMRs can achieve widespread deployment: economics and financing, safety, licensing and regulation, fuel supply, radioactive waste management, technology maturity and public acceptance. Particular attention will be given to the importance of moving beyond simple “for or against nuclear” debates and assessing SMRs as part of broader energy-system portfolios. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the potential role of SMRs in small and constrained energy systems, using Cyprus as a brief illustrative case study.

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Continuing Professional Development

This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.

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22 Sep 2026 

5:30pm - 8:30pm

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Organiser

  • Cyprus Local Network

Further Information

Venue: Amphitheatre LRC 014, University of Cyprus

Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026

Time: 17:30 - 20:30

Speakers

Prof. Andreas Poullikkas

Professor of Energy Systems - Frederick University

Professor Andreas Poullikkas holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in mechanical engineering, a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in nuclear safety and turbomachinery, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in numerical analysis and a Doctor of Technology (D.Tech.), higher doctorate, in energy policy and energy systems optimization all from Loughborough University, U.K. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET). He currently serves as Professor of Energy Systems at the School of Engineering, Frederick University. He has also held key leadership roles in Cyprus, including Chairman of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) and Chairman of the Cyprus Energy Strategy Council, both appointed by the President of the Republic of Cyprus. Professor Poullikkas has extensive experience spanning academia and industry. His academic roles include Visiting Faculty at Harvard University (USA), Professor of Power Systems, and Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Cyprus University of Technology. In industry, he served as Assistant Manager at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, where he founded and directed the Research and Development Department. He is ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists and included in the World’s Top 100,000 Researchers lists, both published by Stanford University. He serves as Associate Editor of Discover Energy (Springer Nature) and is a member of the Editorial Board of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Elsevier). He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers, and is the author of ten books.

Reasons to attend

You can register here

Location

University of Cyprus Library-Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Center

1 Panepistimiou
Nicosia

2109
Cyprus

LRC 014 Auditorium

Programme

Venue: Amphitheatre LRC 014, University of Cyprus

Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026

17:30 - 18:00 - Registrations
18:00 - 18:10 - Welcome
18:10 - 19:10 - Lecture
19:10 - 19:45 - Q & A
19:45 - 20:30 - Networking