Fuel performance studies supporting SMR utilization Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have garnered substantial attention in recent years. Numerous SMR designs, tailored for a variety of end uses, are under development globally. These designs are at different stages of development, with some being described as ready for near-term deployment. Due to their compact size and modular design, SMRs can be manufactured more quickly and cost-effectively. SMRs' modularity facilitates their widespread deployment for distributed electricity generation and heat production. Many SMRs are designed based on established large-scale reactors, primarily Light Water Reactors (LWRs), to reduce the need for extensive research and development. This approach allows them to leverage the rich and extensive operational experience gained from LWRs. Still, the reduced core sizes in SMRs, as well as changes in operation mode, or other system changes to increase modularity, can still present some differences in the fuel operation regime, with possible implications for fuel behaviour and operational limits. Therefore, this project aims to identify any key differences presented by near-deployment SMRs, with respect to fuel behaviour. Anticipated changes include, e.g. higher neutron flux gradient, higher enrichment, increased use of burnable absorber. In this project, expected drivers of changed fuel performance in SMRs are identified, and the consequences on fuel performance are studied through modelling and post-irradiation examination. Furthermore, the need for establishing poolside fuel inspection capabilities to support Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) at distributed reactors, to minimize the requirement for transporting fuel to hot cell laboratories, will be examined.