Leading the Way to a Clean Energy Future
If you like this content follow me here
NuScale Power’s 50 MWe reactor has become the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design to be certified by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This 50 MWe power unit could potentially provide power to around 5,000 homes.
In general, the modularity of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) such as NuScale’s design is one of their key advantages.
Modularity allows for production efficiency, as SMRs can be mass-produced in a factory, which can lead to significant cost savings compared to traditional nuclear reactors which suffer from FOAK cost syndrome (First Of A Kind design and construction). Additionally, the smaller size of SMRs means that they can be transported and installed at a variety of different locations, which can reduce the costs associated with site preparation and infrastructure.
Modularity enables scalability, because SMRs are much smaller in size than traditional nuclear reactors which can be 10 times bigger than, they can be built in modular units, which can be added or removed as needed. This allows for greater flexibility in terms of power generation capacity.
For example, NuScale’s VOYGR™ SMR power plant can house up to 12 factory-built power modules that are about a third of the size of a large-scale reactor. Each power module leverages natural processes, such as convection and gravity, to passively cool the reactor without additional water, power, or even operator action. NuScale is currently seeking an uprate to enable each module to generate up to 77 megawatts.
In addition to the modularity, SMRs have several other special features that make them an attractive option for power generation. For example many designs have passive safety systems that rely on natural forces, such as gravity and convection, to cool the reactor in the event of an accident. This eliminates the need for active cooling systems, which can improve safety and reduce costs.
Another feature is having a smaller physical footprint, SMRs are smaller in size than traditional nuclear reactors, which means they require less land and can be built closer to population centers. This can reduce the costs associated with site preparation and infrastructure. The small size of SMRs means that they can be built closer to the point of consumption, which in some cases reduces the need for long-distance transmission of power. This can reduce the carbon footprint associated with power generation.
SMRs are versatile, they can be adapted to a variety of different settings, including remote or small communities, which would otherwise not have access to power. They also have the potential to be used in combination with other forms of energy, such as renewables, to create hybrid power systems.
Who Else Is Working on This?
NuScale is not the only player here. There are several companies and organizations that are considered vital players in the field of SMRs. Some of the key players include:
- TerraPower: TerraPower is a company that is working on advanced nuclear reactor technology, which also includes SMR designs. TerraPower has been in partnership with GE Hitachi to develop a new design of SMR, which they called “Natrium” technology.
- Westinghouse Electric Company: Westinghouse Electric Company is a global nuclear energy company that is developing a small modular reactor design called the eVinci Micro Reactor.
- General Electric Hitachi: General Electric Hitachi is a nuclear energy company that is developing an advanced SMR design called the BWRX-300.
- X-energy: X-energy is a company that is developing a high-temperature gas-cooled SMR called the Xe-100.
- Holtec International: Holtec International is a company that is developing a pressurized water SMR design called the SMR-160.
- Advanced Reactor Concepts: Advanced Reactor Concepts is a company that is developing a liquid metal-cooled SMR called the ARC-100.
Overall, the field of SMRs is rapidly evolving and new players may emerge in the future. The future for SMRs could be very bright once they prove to be a cost-effective and safe way of generating power, making them an attractive option for a wide range of customers. SMRs have proven to be a cost-effective and safe way of generating nuclear power, making them an attractive option for a wide range of customers.
The best case for SMRs would mean that the technology has become a widely adopted form of power generation that is cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly. This would have a significant impact on the global energy mix, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.
If you like this content follow me here
