New Technologies such as High Temperature Superconducting magnets and advanced computing in Fusion Reactors, Advanced Generation IV Reactor Technologies or Off-Site Modular Construction are exciting developments in low carbon energy. Modular Reactors enable “factory shop build and transport to site” according to the International Atomic Energy Agency who record over 11 commercial \”demo\” fusion reactors and 40 Advanced Generation IV technology designs in commercial development worldwide. Factory build takes advantage of productivity, environment and equipment improvements to reduce schedules and direct costs. Furthermore, much of the commissioning and qualification can be completed in factories, further reducing risk to schedule delays.

There is a strong background in modular manufacturing and construction in the industrial chemical plant and construction industries. These industries have implemented modular design techniques and construction. Understanding learnings from these industries could benefit Reactor construction by applying these methods. Therefore, the objectives of this review paper are to understand the state of the art in Off-Site Modular Construction and Industrial Modular Chemical Plant Design through a systematic literature review. This research can then be analysed and adapted for use in modular reactor development.  Applicable research was highlighted for further work exploration.