“IMHO Mini Nukes are never going to happen. The largest cost in Nuclear Pant Operation is staff. A large plant has economy of scale as many of functions require the same number of people no matter how large or small the plant is.
In terms of construction the permitting and other NRC requirements are not going to be “Mini” either.”
Staff size is not fixed. Permitting would be less burdensome. Construction costs could be reduced.
The staff will be less but not proportionally. Same with construction costs. After building these things for 60 years, never underestimate the governments ability to screw things up. See Vogtle 3 and 4. It has now been 8 years and no end in sight.
https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsmore-progress-for-vogtle-34-8415144