Tractebel has partnered with Steady Energy to develop the world’s simplest nuclear reactor . This innovative project aims to transform the landscape of district heating through small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
LDR-50: the simplest nuclear reactor in the world
With over 60 years of experience in the nuclear sector, Tractebel will bring its cutting-edge engineering and consulting know-how to support the design and licensing of the LDR-50 , a compact 50 MW nuclear reactor. This reactor is specifically designed for district heating , industrial steam production and water desalination , a value proposition in a world looking to reduce carbon emissions .
The LDR-50 reactor is a modular, small-footprint solution that operates at much lower pressures than conventional reactors. This simplified approach allows for reduced construction costs, making it a competitive option compared to other energy sources, such as fossil fuels .
With a heat production cost of less than €40 per MWh , the LDR-50 could change the way cities manage their heat supply.
Clean heating for cities and industries
The plant to be built in Finland aims to provide clean heating to cities and industries . Heating operations are expected to begin in the early 2030s and construction of the first plant could start as early as 2029. Steady Energy’s advanced nuclear technology is designed to be deployed in urban areas, with a reactor that can be built underground, making better use of space in dense urban environments.
Steady Energy director Tommi Nyman highlights that the LDR-50 is “ probably the simplest commercial nuclear reactor in the world ”, designed to address the 10% challenge of global emissions related to water heating . As a modular technology, its capacity for expansion and adaptation is significant, allowing large-scale heat needs to be met more efficiently.
The collaboration between Steady Energy and Tractebel strengthens both companies’ position in the development of advanced nuclear technologies and represents a model of innovation in the energy sector . Tractebel ’s expertise in nuclear safety, combined with Steady Energy’s vision to transform district heating, makes this project one of the most promising initiatives in the modern energy sector.
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Source and photos: Steady Energy
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