How SMRs Could Shape Bahrain’s Energy Future?

The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, organized a ThinkTalk lecture titled “Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) in Future Energy Systems”. The session was delivered by Dr. Randy Beatty, an internationally recognized expert in nuclear energy security.

The event brought together representatives from national institutions and key stakeholders, under the framework of Derasat’s Energy and Environment Studies Program, which focuses on strategic developments in the energy sector and their broader implications.

Moderated by Dr. Omar Ahmad Al Ubaydli, Director of Studies and Research at Derasat, the lecture provided a forward-looking assessment of SMRs as a potential cornerstone of future energy systems. It highlighted their advantages in efficiency, flexibility, safety, and industrial applications, as well as the importance of early integration into national energy planning to support sustainability and energy security.

The discussion also included an overview of international experiences and investment trends in SMR development, reflecting the accelerating global energy transition and the rising demand for reliable, environmentally sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Beatty brings decades of expertise in nuclear energy security and scientific cooperation, with senior roles at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.S. Department of Energy, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He has overseen advanced international programs focused on nuclear materials security and the nuclear fuel cycle.

The ThinkTalk underscores Derasat’s commitment to fostering international knowledge partnerships and providing a platform for informed discussions on the future of energy, grounded in global expertise and comparative experience.