Author: Ing. Antonio Zavarce, June 26, 2023.
Introduction
In view of the drive towards production of small modular reactors , Rolls-Royce has shown strong interest in NuScale’s plans to build small modular reactors, which could contribute significantly to the energy transition.
The development of built environments requires considerable energy generation, especially in hard-to-reach areas where activities such as construction, mining, and other industrial activities take place.
It is for this reason that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are particularly suitable for remote working environments, as they offer scalability in areas where larger reactors are not feasible. However, it is important to note that access to this type of energy entails strict regulation and the implementation of rigorous safety procedures, since we are all aware of the risks associated with large-scale nuclear reactions.
The American company NuScale, specialized in the development of nuclear SMRs, ensures that these present a lower risk due to their limited consumption of radioactive materials, which positions them as optimal solutions for the generation of mobile energy in various industries.
NuScale is currently in the process of developing an SMR called VOYGR, a name that evokes portability and wonder, in anticipation of its capabilities in the industrial sector. In collaboration with UK-based Rolls-Royce, NuScale seeks to secure a future for its SMR technology and consequently meet the engineering firm’s needs by securing first unit orders.
The VOYGR design is based on a standard nuclear reactor known as a pressurized water-cooled reactor, which was the first of its kind to receive certification from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The UK, for its part, has shown significant interest in the field of nuclear energy, which has resulted in commitments to find suitable applications for SMRs to support its strategy of reaching net zero emissions. In addition, the country sees enormous potential in the production of low-cost energy, which could be manufactured in specialized facilities and assembled at the destination.
The incorporation of solutions based on SMRs in the daily energy demand could considerably strengthen the effects of the energy transition from fossil fuels towards emission-free forms of energy, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal.
Recently, NuScale’s president of VOYGR services and deliveries, Tom Mundy, stated that the company would not require capital from Great British Nuclear (GBN), an organization established by the UK Government. Mundy also explained that NuScale is poised to complete its project ahead of GBN’s schedule, which could enable production of SMRs as early as 2030.
“This means making a final investment decision at that point, and that’s too late for us. We have clients making final investment decisions much sooner,” Mundy said.
Importantly, while power generated from nuclear fuels is not considered renewable, it stands out as zero emissions and is gaining popularity among governments. Thanks to the high energy density of uranium, a single SMR unit can generate the equivalent of 300 megawatts of power, which is only a third of the capacity of full-size reactors.
With increased regulation and proper procedures in place, nuclear power could offer an adequate level of power to sustain industries as they move toward fully renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal. .
About Small Modular Reactors.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are nuclear power generation systems characterized by being smaller in size and capacity compared to conventional large-scale nuclear reactors. These reactors are designed to be transportable, modular, and scalable, meaning they can be built in a factory and then transported to where they will be used.
Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, which typically have a power generating capacity of several gigawatts, SMRs have a smaller generating capacity, generally in the range of several megawatts to a few hundred megawatts. This smaller capacity makes them suitable for a variety of applications, such as powering small or remote communities, operating industrial facilities, or powering ships and submarines.
SMRs offer several advantages compared to large scale reactors. Due to their smaller size, they require a smaller amount of initial investment and can be built in a shorter time. Additionally, SMRs are considered to be safer due to their modular design, incorporating advanced safety systems and a smaller amount of radioactive material compared to larger reactors.
Given their potential to provide reliable and secure power in various applications, SMRs have received attention and support in several countries as a promising option for future nuclear power generation.
Features and benefits
- Reduced Size: SMRs are smaller in size and capacity compared to full-scale reactors. This allows them to be more flexible in terms of location and applications. It also facilitates its mass production in a factory and its subsequent transport to the place of use.
- Modularity and scalability: The SMRs are designed in independent modules that can be combined according to the power needs of a certain site. This allows for greater flexibility and the possibility of increasing power generation capacity based on demand.
- Increased Security: SMRs are designed with increased attention to security. Being smaller, they have less nuclear fuel and less waste heat, which reduces the risks associated with nuclear power generation. In addition, its modular design allows the implementation of advanced and redundant security systems.
- Lower initial investment: Due to their size and modular design, SMRs require a lower initial investment compared to large-scale nuclear reactors. This makes them more accessible for a variety of applications and opens up opportunities for power generation in remote regions or smaller communities.
- Higher Efficiency: SMRs can achieve higher power generation efficiency, which translates into higher power output per unit of nuclear fuel used. This contributes to a greater efficiency in the use of resources and a lower generation of radioactive waste.
- Complement to Renewables: SMRs can provide a constant and reliable source of power based on nuclear, making them an ideal complement to intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. This helps stabilize the power grid and ensure a constant power supply.
Countries involved in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs)
Some of the most prominent countries in this area are:
- United States: The United States has been leading the development of SMRs and has companies such as NuScale Power, which has obtained regulatory certification for its SMR design and is working on pilot and commercial projects.
- United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has expressed great interest in SMRs and has made significant investments in their development. The Rolls-Royce company, in collaboration with other partners, is working on the design and implementation of SMRs in the country.
- Canada: Canada has been working on the development of SMRs through the state nuclear power company Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). In addition, several Canadian private companies, such as Terrestrial Energy, are advancing their SMR designs.
- China: China is also involved in the research and development of SMRs. Several Chinese companies, such as the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), are working on the design and construction of small modular reactors.
- Russia: Russia has been developing its own SMR design called the RITM-200. This reactor has been designed for marine applications, such as icebreaker propulsion.
These are just a few examples of countries that are actively involved in the development of small modular reactors. Other countries, such as France, Japan and South Korea, have also expressed interest and are carrying out research and projects in this field.
Source and photos:
- digital energy
- “Small Modular Reactors: Status and Prospects” by IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
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