Small Modular Reactor - sources of potential economic advantages

If the new Encapsulated Nuclear Heat Source (ENHS) proves practical to implement, it might significantly improve the economics, safety, proliferation-resistance and public acceptability of nuclear reactors:

Economics: Via (a) elimination of the IHX, DHRS, and many other components; (b) high degree of modularity, all modules can be factory manufactured; (c) relatively small, simple components that are easy to install, maintain and replace; (c) long-life core with no refueling operations; (d) small O&M cost; (e) possibility of using the reactor vessel as a storage "cask" because the Pb coolant will eventually solidify in the core; (f) Smaller nuclear island.

[Source: DOE Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (NERI) Project Abstract, "STAR: The Secure Transportable Autonomous Reactor System, Encapsulated Fission Heat-Source", November 22, 1999]