PODBITE: Small Modular Reactors: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead with Frazer-Nash - Live from DCUK25

In this episode, Simon Smith from Frazer-Nash Consultancy joins the Podbite series to discuss the realities of industrial decarbonization. The conversation explores the role of small modular reactors (SMRs), the opportunities and limits of existing carbon technologies, and the commercial hurdles facing heavy industry as it moves toward net zero.

Simon shares both technical insights and industry perspectives from their roundtable discussion held at Decarb Connect UK in Manchester.

Why Tune In

• Hear how Frazer-Nash supports heavy industry with decarbonization assessments, emissions evaluations and technology integration strategies.
• Get the latest on carbon technologies: CCUS is gaining traction, hydrogen adoption faces price concerns, and direct air capture is starting to scale in the US.
• Explore the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to integrate into industrial sites, supported by government planning reforms.
• Understand the commercial viability challenges: economics and lead times are the real barriers to deploying new technologies.
• Learn what industry leaders are saying: insights from Frazer-Nash’s roundtable on practical challenges and real-world progress.

Recorded live at Decarb Connect UK Summit, March 2025.

Show links:

- Connect with Simon Smith and the team at Frazer-Nash Consultancy

- Follow Melissa Chew on LinkedIn and find how to get involved with the membership and work of Decarb Connect

Want to learn more about Decarb Connect?

We provide insights and introductions that derisk decision-making and support industrial leaders in deploying decarbonization and low carbon product strategy. Our global membership platform, events and facilitated introductions support commercial decarb planning and business models around the world. Our clients include the most energy-intensive industrials from cement, metals and mining, glass, ceramics, chemicals, O&G and many more along with technology disruptors, investors and advisors.

If you enjoyed this conversation, find out about our portfolio of events in US, Canada, UK and Europe – or explore our Decarbonisation Leaders Network (DLN), and learn why more than 200 members from the energy-intensive sectors have joined to share insights, meet partners who can accelerate their net zero plans and why it’s the fastest growing network of its kind.

• (00:00) - Introduction and background
• (00:43) - - How Frazer-Nash supports clients with decarbonization
• (01:13) - - Technology trends: carbon capture, hydrogen, and direct air capture
• (02:21) - - SMR roundtable discussion and government planning reforms
• (03:19) - - Industry interest and main concerns about SMR adoption
• (03:44) - - Business case challenges and carbon pricing
• (04:33) - - Key takeaways from Decarb Connect UK 2025
• (05:05) - - Wrap up