Nuclear energy has the potential to substantially help resolve the three biggest energy challenges faced today: mitigating both climate change and energy poverty while bringing greater energy security to where the energy is actually needed.
Small Modular Reactors as well as Microreactors extend the applications of conventional large nuclear power plants to electric and non-electric,...
Newcomer countries invariably struggle in developing their management systems when initiating new nuclear programmes. They often do not have the background in nuclear design, construction and operations to anticipate the numerous issues that need to be addressed. Furthermore, national regulatory environments are often not developed early enough to provide strong and effective guidance as to...
This paper proposes a novel recommendation tool for evaluating potential installation sites for Advanced and Small Modular Reactors (AMRs and SMRs) considering a multidimensional perspective. It combines various types of spatial and non-spatial data into the Geographic Informaon System at a 0.12 km² resolution, incorporating diverse parameters including transportation infrastructure,...
Off-site emergency protective actions are the fifth and final level of defence in depth against the consequences of nuclear accidents. The area around the site where pre-planned precautionary or urgent protective actions are ready to be taken in the event of an emergency is the emergency planning zone (EPZ). Stakeholders for small modular reactor (SMR) and advanced reactor technologies have...
Advanced nuclear technologies have a significant role in addressing the global climate change challenge and decarbonisation efforts. But there is a pressing requirement for a change in the regulatory approach. Licensing is a key topic that would benefit from a more targeted approach. Licensing regimes are based on conventional large reactors and this means that the innovative attributes of the...
Efforts to improve knowledge and application of interfaces between safety, security, and (international) safeguards—the so-called 3S—are important for advanced and small modular reactors (A/SMR). Having been addressed across technical meetings and professional conferences, the nuclear materials management professional community is seeking to leverage the anticipated benefits of 3S.
To...
The current report is dedicated to the issues of probabilistic safety analysis of the first level safety of small modular reactors on the example of a low-power nuclear power plant with a SHELF-M reactor facility.
Probabilistic safety analyses were conducted to determine the possibility of accident pathways and final outcomes, including the possibility of severe accidents.
In this report,...
Almost all advanced reactor designs, including SMRs, rely on passive cooling features in the heat removal process. However, the reliability of the passive cooling system must be carefully evaluated due to the limitation of experimental data. Advanced reactor designs, specifically non-water cooled reactors, also face the challenge in terms of the existing safety design requirement...
Concerning the benefits of modularity, siting flexibility, greater efficiency, safety and nonproliferation, SMR has already become one of the most important innovation directions of global nuclear energy. In recent years, with the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, China has made a great many achievements in researching, developing and constructing SMRs, which should be mainly...
As the development and demonstration of the Small Modular Reactor(SMR) continue to progress, along with the potential for multi-applications, many countries are actively considering the deployment of SMRs. However, the deployment of these reactors will face a series of challenges unique to each country's specific conditions, such as application demands, energy policy, market environment and...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) constitute an option for generating electricity and processing heat from nuclear energy, with advantages over large-scale nuclear power plants such as flexibility in location, improved safety, and reduced construction time. SMRs can also be designed as microreactors, aiming at relatively low energy production for industrial facilities, remote off-grid locations,...
SMR research and development are actively underway around the world, and domestic research and development such as i-SMR, SMART and BANDI-60 are also underway in ROK.
SMR can be built on various environmental sites such as urban suburbs, seas, and extreme environmental areas depending on the purpose of use, and uses less land than commercial nuclear power plants and is likely to be...
This paper addresses the regulation of merchant shipping using nuclear propulsion. With the main international relevant legal instruments, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the IMO Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the IMO Convention on The Liability of Operators of Nuclear Ships and the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships, as a starting point the paper...
The Working Group on the Analysis and Management of Accidents (WGAMA) addresses OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) activities related to potential design-basis and beyond design-basis accidents in nuclear reactors and related technologies. The WGAMA addressed safety aspects of existing nuclear reactors and related technologies as well as emerging challenges of evolutionary and innovative reactor...
Accelerating Microreactor Development and Deployment Through Joint Public Testbeds and Private Advanced Reactor Development
**Troy Burnett 1
1Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
ABSTRACT
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has funded the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) to build two strategic assets at the Idaho National...
Advanced nuclear reactors, including Small Modular Reactors, promise enhanced safety and efficiency by harnessing complex digital technologies. However, these innovations also introduce risk management challenges regarding the computer security vulnerability of complex digital components to malicious action, faults and failure . Current nuclear industry approaches to safety and security...
Recently, there has been a surge in interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), especially in developing and newly industrializing countries. Recognized for their potential as a low-carbon, competitive option in future integrated energy systems. A critical aspect of SMR deployment is the development and implementation of a structured regulatory oversight program. This is essential not only for...
The new generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have proposed safety strategies whose reliance on PSA (Probabilistic Safety Assessment), and consequently use of risk insights, have significantly varied. For instance, the Licensing Modernization Project (LMP) endorsed by the NRC using its Regulatory Guide 1.233, “Guidance for a Technology-Inclusive, Risk-Informed, and Performance-Based...
Given the importance of safety principles from both nuclear energy ethics[1] and the IAEA[2], how could we ensure that new reactor designs, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), adequately fulfil these principles?
Among existing SMR designs, the ARIS (Advanced Reactors Information System) database notes that NuScale, an American SMR company with approved designs by the US Nuclear...
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges in securing electricity and water supply due to their limited land area, remoteness, vulnerability to natural disasters, and exposure to climate change. This paper suggests a low-carbon energy system to address these challenges, comprising renewable energy sources (solar and wind), battery storage systems, small nuclear reactors...
SMRs development is entering a critical phase where initial assumptions are challenged by current operational constraints. Indeed, the combined requirements of safety and computer security, industrial supply chain setup, varying local safety regulations and multiple markets targeted besides electricity production is causing revaluation of their standardization objectives and ultimately their...
The IAEA has rightly been vocal about the need to develop alternative fuel supply chains for next generation SMR and advanced reactors. This paper will discuss the potential - and the barriers - to developing a strategic and coordinated Canada-USA HALEU supply chain by drawing on the key advantages of the respective Canadian and US nuclear sectors to secure alternative access to low enriched...
The study introduces a novel application of a burnable poison (BP) known as Double Tube Burnable Poison (DTBP). Two design concepts of DTBP were tested in a small modular reactor (SMR) to extend the operating cycle while maintaining low soluble boron concentration. These concepts can be loaded in various locations in the fuel assembly, providing greater flexibility in nuclear design. The...
Enhancing safety measures for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) necessitates a comprehensive understanding of aerosol behavior within containment structures during accidental conditions. This study employs the NAUA aerosol dynamics code (Bunz et al., 1987) to investigate the dynamic evolution of aerosols in a typical SMR containment (surface area to volume ratio = 0.022 cm$^{-1}$). Assuming a...
Energy poverty in Africa is a significant challenge extending beyond the absence of electricity. It affects over 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone and emphasises the discrepancy between the vast energy resources and the inadequate energy supply. Africa’s energy sources are fossil fuels and renewables. This paper aims to address Africa's energy crisis by increasing nuclear energy...
This paper highlights, through examples, how innovative applications of digital technologies like AI/ML can help deploy SMRs in future. Examples are presented to demonstrate how AI/ML can help reduce time and cost in qualifying new materials, in improving efficiency in non-destructive testing during manufacture. Through real life examples, it is shown how AI-powered cognitive search engine can...
Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology is gaining momentum for its ability to provide reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient energy solutions. However, its adoption presents distinct challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technological innovation and regulatory considerations. This review explores key aspects, such as the nuanced discussion of proliferation risk, challenges in...
SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor), which is conceptually developed by KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute), is a small-sized advanced integral PWR that produces 330 MW of thermal energy under full power operating conditions.
Maximizing the life cycle of fuel inside the reactor core has an important economic factor. In addition, it reduces the volume of spent fuel...
This analysis assesses the benefits derived from implementing FeCrAl cladding material under DEC-A sequence conditions in a NuScale-like Small Modular Reactor, utilizing the TRACE system code, in comparison to the conventional Zr alloy fuel rod case. In collaboration between NFOQUE ADVISORY SERVICES S.L. (NFQ) and the research group from the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), an in-house...
At the horizon of 2050, free carbon energy supply may be ensured mainly by the contribution of the renewables and nuclear plants. The deployment of SMRs contributes to create the desired security of supply, stability of system, and adaptation to the expected large penetration of intermittent renewables. However, despite the promising concepts and the diversity of the designs, the...
The design and construction rules for mechanical components of nuclear installations (RCC Codes) published by AFCEN primarily apply to safety class components. RCC-MRx code was developed for sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR), experimental reactors and fusion reactors but can be used, on condition that the rules applicability is justified, for components for other nuclear installations...
Abstract: The ‘Linglong-1’ SMR demonstration project adopts an integrated reactor design, with four main pumps symmetrically arranged around the pressure vessel, which are connected to the pressure vessel through L-shaped receivers, take on the functions of the pump casing and also realise the separation of the coolant flow path. The receiver is designed according to the vessel specification,...
The IAEA’s International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) supports Member States in their long-term strategic planning for deploying sustainable nuclear energy. Over the past decade, INPRO developed methods and scientific-technical analysis tools to support modelling and analysis of nuclear energy systems, including global and regional scenarios. These analysis...
Since global demand for energy and the security of energy supply concerns, interest in SMRs is increasing day by day and there are many new SMR designs. In this context, it is obvious that the interest in nuclear energy and SMRs is at a high level in future planning for either Earth, Moon and Mars. SMRs display an enhanced safety performance through inherent and passive safety features, offer...
This paper aims to study the architectural design and components of nuclear power plants (NPPs). An onshore nuclear power plant consists of a nuclear reactor, a control building, a turbines building, cooling towers, service buildings (an office building & a medical research center) and a nuclear & radiation waste storage building. The paper is also focusing on the simulation system...
ABSTRACT
The advancement of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies has garnered increased interest from embarking countries considering introducing nuclear power in their energy mix. This is attributed to the unique characteristics associated with SMR technologies such as: fitness for smaller electricity grids; suitability for non-electric application; scalability; and site...
SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor) is an advanced integral reactor developed by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. It is empathized that technologies implemented in SMART had been proven through comprehensive technology validation programs. Therefore, SMART can be deployed immediately. Alberta’s oil sands plants are dependent on natural gas to meet requirements of steam...
A challenge in integrating security/safety/safeguards (3S) is how to communicate risks given the vastly different technical competencies among subject matter experts in each domain. Similar to conceptual parallels between safety and security (i.e., similar perception of consequences and owner/operator responsibilities), safeguards could benefit by leveraging alternative models to better...
The NPP with RITM-200 SMR is currently being designed and constructed in Russia. In this regard, for licensing purposes, work is being done on the development, validation and verification of the code intended for modeling of accidents under design extension conditions (DEC).
Due to the fact that the coolant and some of the structural materials used in the SMR are the same as those used in...
Small Modular Reactor designs are likely to rely on complex digital technology novel to nuclear industry applications while also leveraging passive systems and safety design simplification. The result of current approaches may lead to a safety-driven system design that lacks demonstrated robustness in the event of cyber-attacks against its digital equipment. Information and computer security...
Innovative technologies development in the field of atomic energy use, including small modular reactors, is accompanied by development and implementation of new design decisions as well as technical and organizational measures to ensure safety. This, in turn, leads to the necessity to develop new safety requirements for small modular reactors to ensure successful and safe functioning of the...
Africa is regarded as a significant and rapidly expanding hub for factories and businesses, with a GDP of over 2.7 trillion USD, there is a growing need for clean and reliable energy to sustain its growth. This paper examines how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can be utilized to provide the necessary energy for Africa's factories and industries. SMRs are small, safe nuclear reactors that can...
This paper explores the strategic future design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Pakistan, considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the country's energy landscape. Using the rigorous International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Reactor Technology Assessment (RTA) methodology, a comprehensive analysis is conducted to propose a specific SMR...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a promising solution for nuclear power generation, offering compactness and flexibility with capacities ranging from 10 to 300 MWe. This research aims to narrow the existing knowledge gap in the safety of SMRs by conducting a preliminary analysis, focusing on their safety design features, particularly those of operating demonstration plants. Building...
In this paper, we evaluate the current requirements and criteria for reactor design and safety analysis in being risk informed. Specifically, we focus on high-level objectives asserting that risks posed by a nuclear facility need to be comparable to the risks to which people are normally exposed; and are lower than those from alternative methods of generating power.
We investigate the key...
There is increasing interest in locating small modular reactors (SMRs) closer to potential end users for industrial or district heating applications, which is making it more important to understand the near-field atmospheric dispersion behaviour of routine or accidental radionuclide emissions. Traditional codes have known limitations in predicting nearfield dispersion due to the heavy...
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), as Canada’s safeguards regulatory authority, continues to ensure its readiness for the effective and efficient implementation of safeguards at small modular reactors (SMR). Canada has decades of experience in applying safeguards to CANDU reactors, uranium bulk handling facilities, and research and development, and hopes to leverage this knowledge...
The CANDU Owners Group (COG) has been supporting the Canadian Nuclear Industry over the last 40 years to achieve operational excellence and bring clean energy to the world. As the preeminent nuclear collaboration hub in Canada, COG is poised to support its members and the industry at large as the nuclear landscape evolves to meet national climate change goals and a shared vision of a...
CAREM is a national SMR development project, based on LWR technology, coordinated by Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) in collaboration with leading nuclear companies in Argentina with the purpose to develop, design and construct innovative small nuclear power plants with high level of safety and economic competitiveness. CAREM is an integral PWR type NPP, based on indirect...
The use of Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) is evaluated from the neutronics and economics points of view as a means for enhancing reactor safety while maintaining competitiveness of the CAREM 25 nuclear fuel cycle. The ATF evaluated consists on the use of FeCrAl cladding and keeping UO2 and Gadolinia Burnable Poison (BP) as the fuel it self. The FeCrAl cladding has the outstanding advantage of...
The Polish power sector is based mainly on fossil fuel combustion, of which more than 70% represent hard and brown coals. Current climate policy foresees a significant decrease of CO2 emission to the environment implicating the need for urgent transformation of power industry into a low-carbon sector. The strategic document of the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040 (PEP2040), setting the...
This review paper examines the safety objectives and application of defence-in-depth to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Ghana, focusing on inherent and passive safety features, design simplification, integration, and modularity. It explores safety challenges and opportunities specific to SMRs, including severe accident mitigation, internal and external hazard considerations, and fuel and core...
Small modular reactors, as a new type of reactors, have great potential for power generation and other purposes, and can be designed both as land and floating versions.
The configuration of small modular reactors (siting, auxiliary facilities, reactor plant) has a number of new features that require adaptation of existing physical protection solutions. At the same time, in accordance with the...
Certification bodies and independent inspection agencies play a key role in demonstrating the safety of nuclear projects. They provide Testing, Inspection, Certification (TIC) services on a regulatory (mandatory) or voluntary basis, acting as “Third” or “Second” Party. They are accredited by “Accreditation Bodies” and approved by nuclear regulators who constantly audit their effective...
Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) is a Polish company that plans to deploy a fleet of SMRs in Poland with use of BWRX-300 technology by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH). BWRX-300 is designed to produce only electricity, whereas, the waste heat is discharged to the atmosphere via cooling towers, as most of existing large-scale nuclear power plants do. However, the waste heat could be used to...
Global shipping uses ~300 million t of fossil fuels annually, producing 3% of CO2 emissions. In July 2023, the IMO set a net-zero emissions goal for 2050 (100% reduction by 2050 comparing to 2008 level). Supporting this goal, the maritime industry is pursuing deep decarbonization with nuclear ships, which is a ship provided with a SMR.
Today, some 200 nuclear reactors are operating on 160...
Sweden is experiencing a new wave of interest in nuclear energy. This interest is largely driven by the recently changed pro-nuclear political landscape in the EU and Sweden, the emergence of new nuclear technologies and the estimated doubling of national electricity consumption.
Drawing on an ongoing study of the reintroduction of nuclear technology in Sweden, this paper presents findings...
Currently, there is a large number of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) concepts in different stages of development. Among them, many are Light Water Reactors (LWRs). To counteract their smaller size compared to the »classical« GEN II and III conterparts, various design adaptations are being proposed, e.g. the use of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel and different reflectors. In addition,...
On the way to the decarbonization of human activities, most studies of energy scenarios to mid this century highlight the key role nuclear energy is called to play in terms of security, cost, environment, and reliability. In such a context, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are seen as a promising technology to be deployed in the short and medium term both in Europe and elsewhere. Regardless the...
Increased interest in advanced nuclear technology for global decarbonization includes commercial floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). Like all vessels today, FNPPs will be registered to a Flag State, which usually delegates some responsibility to Classification Societies, such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), to perform engineering reviews, inspections and surveys on their behalf....
The Physicochemical and Quality Control Department of the Argentina National Atomic Energy Commission has been actively researching the application of the modular CAREM nuclear reactor for cogeneration, specifically for the treatment of oil-based drill cuttings (OBDC) generated from oil and gas extraction in the Neuquén basin, located in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. These cuttings are...
The successful worldwide deployment of SMRs is fundamentally dependent on developers’ ability to construct plants with factory produced modules that are as identical as possible. Differences in approaches to national nuclear regulation however currently demand significant changes to NPP designs when a reactor is exported.
These national approaches to regulation effectively reset projects...
The CVCS of a typical large nuclear power plant includes two shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Replacing these with a printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE), a high-performance heat exchanger, can lead to significant space savings. Hence, this study proposes the optimized size of the PCHE for CVCS heat exchangers. The PCHE consists of a straight channel with a semi-circular cross-sectional area...
This study comprehensively investigates the potential adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Libya, contrasting their implementation with that of large nuclear power plants (NPPs). It conducts a comparative analysis encompassing various crucial aspects, including:
• Economic considerations: The study evaluates the comparative capital costs, operational expenses, and long-term...
Cogeneration applications of nuclear energy could present sustainable solutions for several energy challenges current and future generations will have to face. There is growing interest around the world in using nuclear energy for cogeneration applications such as seawater desalination, hydrogen production, district heating, and various industrial applications. Small modular reactors represent...
Objective of this work is to demonstrate applicability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to perform design and safety assessment of passive primary coolant systems in integrated small modular reactors (SMRs). Passive primary coolant system, or natural circulation- based nuclear steam supply system (NSSS), is one of the most prominent features of SMR configurations where primary...
This study proposes a legal framework to integrate Safeguards by Design (SBD) principles from the design phase of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), addressing the gap in current practices where safeguards are not considered early in the design and construction phases. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) encourages early cooperation among designers, operators, regulators, and itself to...
The need for enhancement of the energy sector in Africa as well as the current global advocacy for carbon-neutral solutions to stem the adverse effects of climate change inspires the consideration of a number of energy-supply alternatives to fossil fuel. Nuclear energy has proven to be one of the most viable alternative energy solutions given its superior energy density and near-zero carbon...
The global efforts towards sustainable and resilient energy solutions have fueled interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as transformative elements in the nuclear energy landscape. This paper discusses the need for accelerating SMR deployment, emphasizing collaborative approaches involving stakeholders such as vendors, Owner/Operators, and governments. Key considerations include economic...
The Single Failure Criterion (SFC) ensures reliable performance of safety systems in nuclear power plants in response to design basis initiating events. The SFC, basically, requires that the system must be capable of performing its task in the presence of any single failure.
The capability of a system to perform its design function in the presence of a single failure could be threatened by...
Nuclear-21 presents an innovative approach to Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development, emphasizing end-of-life considerations ('Decommissioning by Design') as not only a priority in the licensing and environmental assessment processes, but also in determining investment risks in new nuclear development. Our methodology prioritizes the meticulous planning of decommissioning sequences, aiming to...
Previous research has explored the effects of reducing the size of nuclear reactor cores to identify smaller, optimal dimensions for applications in remote Indonesian locations. This investigation aimed to reduce the core dimensions while maintaining the height-to-diameter ratio (H/D) at 1.1, following the HTR-10 model. The previous findings indicated that, with a minimum burnup target of 60...
In a single-purpose nuclear or desalination plant, the production cost of power (electricity) or desalinated water is readily obtained by dividing the annual total costs by the production rate of power or water. For integrated nuclear desalination plants which produce both power and water from the same source of energy, cost allocation is necessary to distribute the expenses between the two...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are indeed gaining increasing attention due to their potential to be commercially available in the near future. The interest in SMRs has grown because of their lower investment requirements compared to large Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). SMRs offer the promise of faster development and revenue generation, which could help offset their higher capital costs and...
Poland facing energy transformation considers large-scale PWRs, as well as SMRs. SMRs can be seen as a potential electricity supply and beyond, i.e. district heating, industrial process heat, and for hydrogen production.
For past few years National Centre for Nuclear Research, Poland (NCBJ) has been involved in several High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor projects: national...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) (installed capacity ≤300 MWel) are today’s a very “hot” topic in nuclear engineering / nuclear-power industry worldwide. In general, there are about 108 concepts / designs of SMRs, which can be classified as: 1) Water-cooled SMRs (land based) ‒ 33; 2) Water-cooled SMRs (marine based) ‒ 7; 3) High-temperature gas-cooled SMRs ‒ 21; 4) Fast-neutron-spectrum SMRs ‒...
Remote operation is a crucial aspect of the business model for some Small Modular Reactor (SMR) operators, encompassing Physical Protection Systems (PPS) and I&C systems. However, the reliance on digital technologies raises viability concerns related to the growing potential for cyber attacks.
This paper presents a study on cyber security issues of remote communication and identifies...
How should ignorance be addressed in conceptualising nuclear safety-security (NSS) such that policymakers are better prepared in building new commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs)?
In building nuclear power plants (NPPs), reducing uncertainties plays an important role in maintaining nuclear safety-security (NSS). Nuclear safety aims at mitigating accidents, while nuclear security aims at...
While petroleum-based products constitute a primary contributor to global carbon emissions, our current lifestyle will remain reliant on them for decades to come. `
However, there is an opportunity to mitigate their environmental impact by focusing on the decarbonization of the refining process. A more ambitious approach involves repurposing existing installations to facilitate the production...
The construction of nuclear reactors in Indonesia is moving towards a new phase marked by the plan to build the first nuclear power plant (NPP) which is planned to start in the near future, among the many existing nuclear power plant technologies, small modular reactor (SMR) type NPP was chosen because it is considered to have a high level of effectiveness and operational safety, so the risk...
The Westinghouse AP300™ SMR is the Only SMR based on Licensed, Operating & Advanced Reactor Technology. It is the most advanced, proven and readily deployable SMR solution.
Westinghouse proudly brings our experience developing and implementing new nuclear technologies, from the introduction of the U.S. Navy’s first submarine nuclear reactor (the USS Nautilus) and the world’s first...
Cost-overruns are one of the primary concerns for all the main stakeholders in the new nuclear projects: owners, contractors, and investors. Frequently, the projects are described in terms of the amounts, i.e., a “$20 billion contract”. However, referring to the “price of a contract” to describe the financial cost of a project is misleading. The price of a contract is likely a reflection of a...
Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) emerge as a pivotal solution for swiftly deploying additional power generation capacity in a cost-effective and scalable manner. Particularly suited for coastal regions facing energy access challenges or where the construction of terrestrial nuclear power facilities is impractical, FNPPs offer a versatile and innovative approach to energy provision. This...
Financing Advanced Reactors and SMRs must address not only economics, but the critical risks (e.g., reactor and fuel technical performance, regulatory uncertainties, and economics of construction, operations, and ultimately long-term disposal). Based on structured survey results, private industry lacks the full capability to address all risks, particularly regulatory uncertainties outside its...
Irradiation testing of novel and established materials is a crucial step to enable the deployment of SMRs utilizing new materials and/or manufacturing processes to meet hypothetical SMR construction timeframes and realize the complex integrated features of several designs. The High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten has played a substantial role in contributing to the irradiation testing of...
As part of striving for sustainable development, awareness is growing that the world needs to shift from a linear to a circular economy. A circular economy is enabled through design and goes beyond the waste hierarchy, as it aims to eliminate waste altogether. Things are also designed to last longer and be easier to repair, reuse, repurpose and recycle.
Given the ambitions to contribute to...
The conceptual design of the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) research reactor was developed by the team at the Division of Nuclear Energy and Environmental Analysis of the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ). Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) analysis is essential, leading to the designation of an Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ), which is crucial for advancing the...
The current regulatory framework for power reactors in Finland is designed to regulate large light water reactors intended for electricity production, located in relatively remote areas and constructed and operated by well-established nuclear power companies with extensive in-house competence. However, the growing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), particularly for district heating...
The diversity of advanced reactor and small modular reactor (A/SMR) designs, combined with various modes of deployment and specific circumstances with respect to a country’s threat assessment and design basis threat (DBT) or representative threat statement (RTS), raise new regulatory challenges and the need to adapt existing legislative and regulatory frameworks for nuclear security to account...
ABSTRACT: The Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) has the advantages of proliferation and transmutation, coupled with the pressurized water reactors (PWR), forming the two-component nuclear energy system which holds significant importance for the sustainable development of nuclear energy under the nuclear tripling declaration at COP28. This article investigates the potential application and...
Development of a Robust Framework for Security Assessment of Safety-Informed Siting Decisions under Uncertainty
Abiodun Adeniyi a,b,*, Olufemi Omitaomu, PhD c
a Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge
b Energy Science and Engineering, Bredesen Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
c Computational Sciences and Engineering Oak Ridge...
The scope of activities and responsibilities division for nuclear infrastructure (NI) development is impacted by a chosen deployment model of a SMR project, which is reflected in the set of the contractual arrangements between the project parties. The range of common approaches in an embarking country encompasses a turn-key and a concession (build–own–operate).
It is possible to determine the...
Fast reactor is the main reactor type of the Generation-Ⅳ reactor. It has the characteristics of compact reactor core, modular design and construction, highly safe simplified design, long refueling cycle, strong scalability, diverse operating modes and wide applications, etc. And it can realize proliferation and transmutation, so is the first choice for small special reactors. Liquid sodium...
KHNP has developed an integrated emulator system for APR1400 MMIS based on hardware virtualization technology. Korean innovative SMR (i-SMR) has been developing now. Since new digital I&C platforms and various software systems will be adopted for i-SMR, their performance shall be verified and validated through an integrated prototype test-bed. One way to make the prototype test-bed is using...
The Small modular reactors (SMRs) defined based on the output nuclear power plant rate, typically less than 300 MW), are an emerging nuclear power plant technology, suitable for large grids as well as remote load centers and offer load following and frequency response capabilities. Detailed dynamic models including reactor dynamics are necessary for power system dynamic studies. These reactors...
- Optimize requirements for regulatory approvals for activities within the licensing basis
- Nuclear regulatory frameworks generally impose certain requirements that may not always be consistent with the licensing basis. We strongly advocate for early engagement with the regulator and development of consistent LB Documentation to ensure consistency across the board for new...
The steam dump system of nuclear power plant is designed to provide an artificial secondary side load that balances the power difference between the reactor and the turbine. The steam dump system, including both process and control elements, is one of the most complicate systems in nuclear power plant, which is closely related to reactor power control, feedwater control and other process....
Integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into nuclear hybrid energy systems (NHES) represents a promising approach to improving energy utilisation efficiency while balancing the intermittency of variable renewable sources. In particular, by flexibly allocating the SMR’s thermal power either for electricity generation or to drive industrial processes, these systems can contribute to the energy...
The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources in the electric grid intensifies more than ever the demand for adjustable power outputs. Nuclear plants often find load-following, though feasible, undesirable especially due to the associated thermo-mechanical stresses placed on reactor components. To help absorb the load variability and improve the overall plant economics we can...
This paper presents general observations from development of the technical-economic study of possibility to replace the existing heating plants and cogeneration power plants burning mostly hard coal exploited in local deep pit mines with a nuclear option located.
The study specified nuclear option compiled from Nuclear Power Plants with Small Modular Reactors with capacity to reduce emissions...
Since 2020, in cooperation with the Technical Academy of Rosatom, NNSTU (Nizny Novgorod, Russia) implemented a project to prepare the short-term courses and a full-fledged master's program «NPP with SMR» in English.
The project consists of two parts. The first one - a program of train-the-trainer’s courses "NPPs with SMR: Main Aspects and Life-cycle" - a new educational product aimed at...
Abstract – The thermophysical calculation on the RITM-200 reactor unit is conducted to ascertain the possibility of optimizing the fuel element diameter without compromising the thermal constrains. The calculations included temperature distribution profile of fuel elements at various fuel element diameters, average coolant velocities and critical heat flux for nucleate boiling crisis analysis....
New generations of nuclear reactors including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have received a lot of positive attention. Due to the unique features (improvement in economic and safety features) of SMRs, these reactors are under different stages of design and construction all over the world. SMART reactor as the first certified design SMR has been selected as the base case of the calculations in...
The paper discusses economic and technical possibilities and limitations of the SMR development in large and small-scale power systems in Russia, incl. Arctic regions with distributed electricity and heat loads.
The results of the economic comparison of SMRs with alternative conventional and low-carbon (CCS) thermal power plants and RES are presented. The assessment takes into account the...
This paper investigates a hybrid desalination strategy, using both Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) and Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), for cogeneration of water and electricity using a small PWR of 75 MW(th).
Blending the water produced by SWRO with that produced by DCMD has two main advantages. One is the improvement of the quality of the water produced, as compared to that...
Countries embarking on nuclear technology face challenges in evaluating waste burdens due to limited expertise and tools. Government-level decisions are further complicated when SMR’s enter the picture – the lack of large-scale fleet deployment limits already lacking information on radioactive waste management. In order to provide more information on waste quantities, characteristics, optimal...
To meet the global climate targets and decrease the consumption of fossil fuels, in addition to increasing renewable energy, a dispatchable low-carbon energy source is required. Nuclear power may represent a promising solution. The paper presents a study on the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the Bolivian power sector in 2035. The Calliope optimization tool is used to model and...
Westinghouse is developing the eVinci microreactor, a 5MWe, 15MWth microreactor with the intention of having the most versatile and flexible microreactor on the market. The reactor will to be factory built and deployed fully fueled to the site, transported by rail, road or barge. Westinghouse is also investigating deployment through a TNPP together with their partnership with Prodigy Energy....
Today there is a growing interest for light water SMRs due to the evolutionary modifications introduced in comparison with large LWRs, such as lower core power, compact design and use of passive safety systems (PSSs). In this framework, ENEA has been involved in the last two decades in several activities to support the development of this technology, leading experimental campaigns and...
The European Nuclear Education Network – ENEN is an association of more than 90 representatives of higher education institutions, research organisations, technical support organisations and nuclear industry.
In recent years the Small Modular Reactor – SMR technologies brought a new revival of the nuclear as environmentally friendly and clean energy source. The SMRs represented the innovation...
Recently, various construction technologies are proposed to help minimize the risk of schedule and budget overruns for nuclear new builds. EPRI’s advanced nuclear technology program focuses on practical and innovative research that enables and de-risk deployment of nuclear new builds. The purpose of this paper is to discuss ongoing key projects in advanced reactors engineering including pursue...
Abstract: SMR is widely used and flexibly deployed with unprecedented development opportunities, among which the SMR with small investment volume and short construction period will be the main reactor type concerned by countries all over the world. This paper mainly combines the engineering construction experience of the ‘Linglong-1’ demonstration project to study and analyse the duration of...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), suitable for off-grid applications, offer more affordable and clean energy. One of the key obstacles to their implementation is accelerating technological development while maintaining compliance with safety and security standards throughout their lifecycle. This paper aims to address computer security challenges in the deployment of SMRs. SMRs rely heavily on...
This study reports various factors modulating the characteristics of the future EU electricity grid and therefore establishing a basis for the European Sodium Fast Reactor (ESFR) - Small Modular Reactor (SMR) requirements, namely: i) policy plans and programs of the EU Commission for 2050, including EU Green Deal and national climate targets, ii) low-carbon technologies available to achieve...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) stand at the forefront of nuclear technology innovation, presenting a potential solution to the increasing energy demand while achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The operational flexibility of SMRs is a key focus, providing power for processing heat for industrial applications, desalination, hydrogen production, and electricity generation.
In the context of...
the study contains the feasibility of small modular reactors and an assessment of the site selection process for small modular reactors in Iraq to produce electrical energy to contribute to solving the problem of shortage of electrical energy in Iraq, where Iraq needs (35000) MW to meet the actual need for energy while the total production (24000) MW and Iraq seeks to diversify the sources of...
Small modular reactors as a strong candidate for the future of nuclear energy seem to be the prospective contributors to the spent fuel inventory of the world. There are more than 80 small modular reactor concepts with various core designs and fuel cycle options including molten salt small modular reactors which will produce various amounts of spent fuel with different radiological and...
Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPP) present a promising pathway to broaden the acceptance of nuclear power by addressing critical challenges faced by land-based reactors, including high capital expenditures (CAPEX), prolonged construction timelines, and societal resistance. This paper provides a thorough assessment of the applicability of liquid-fueled Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) within...
The Washington State Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) transitions the state to 100% clean energy by 2045. We examined the potential for flexible resources, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to replace existing fossil-fuel generation. We partnered with X-energy, developer of a Gen-IV High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) – the Xe-100, to gain access to proprietary cost data...
The emergence of new nuclear reactor generations, notably Generation III+ and IV, signifies a significant advancement in the industry. These reactors aim to reduce waste and enhance safety, driven largely by startups and private entities. However, their relative immaturity and lack of testing pose challenges, especially for First of a Kind Demonstrator projects. Additionally, the introduction...
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are demanding in many countries in the world. SMRs have a range of advantages with regard to energy supply to remote areas. Russian Federation has unique experience in the implementation of floating nuclear power plant with KLT-40S reactor and advanced land-based modular reactors RITM200.
FNPP has a unique design. This small NPP is under operation in severe...
Advanced energy systems are the next generation of energy systems with self-control and monitoring attributes along with passive safety measures that are being designed and developed across the globe. Self-control of primary processes refers to the reactors inherent safety, whereas passive safety features are vital in operation when strong deviation of normal process behavior occurs. For...
EXPERIMENTAL CAPABILITY FOR INVESTIGATIONS OF THERMAL-HYDRAULIC PROCESSES AND CRITICAL HEAT FLUXES ON FULL-SCALE MODELS OF ROD ASSEMBLIES FOR SMALL MODULAR REACTORS
J.A. KUZINA, A.I. GONIN
State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation –
Leypunsky Institute for Physics and Power engineering IPPE
Obninsk, Russian Federation
Email: aigonin@ippe.com
The paper gives a brief summary...
Within the EU-funded ELSMOR (Towards European Licencing of Small Modular Reactors) project, an experimental facility has been built at SIET (Piacenza, Italy) to test a passive Decay Heat Removal System (DHRS). Based on natural circulation, the main peculiarity is the adoption of a plate-type compact steam generator as heat source, whereas the heat sink is an in-pool condenser. An experimental...
The Natural convection Shutdown heat removal Test Facility (NSTF) is a large-scale test facility constructed at Argonne built to generate validation data for passive decay heat removal systems of advanced reactors. Reflecting key features of a ½ scale, water-based, Reactor Cavity Cooling System, the facility and testing program has been on-going since 2018. Over 60 test cases, performed over a...
In response to the unique challenges presented by water scarcity and specific meteorological conditions in Jordan, this paper explores the adoption of dry cooling systems for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Given the country's arid climate and critical water shortage, the paper evaluates the viability and benefits of gas-cooled reactors and dry cooling technologies as sustainable solutions for...
The Leveraged Cost of Electricity (LCOE) metric is often used to compare production costs for initial planning to rank options and advocate solutions. The use of this metric may be very misleading as it doesn’t tell about the affordability nor accounts for the impact on the national GDP for a particular country.
To account for this complexity, we developed the new Cost-to-GDP extended cost...
Financing nuclear projects is one of the major impediments to SMR fleet deployment. There is much conversation about the role of governments in supporting financing of SMR projects. Many governments, including in the US and EU, have launched grants, tax credits, and other financing initiatives to facilitate at least initial demonstration projects of FOAK reactor technologies. While government...
Sourcing oxidic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) from down blended highly enriched uranium (HEU) has no prospects. Therefore, correspondingly enriched UF6 must be considered as main input material for fuel production plants. NUKEM gained experience as operator of fabrication plants for all common fuel types. Designs for facilities can be offered based on this knowledge.
Deconversion...
The abstract focuses on a feasibility study conducted in [reference county] where an evaluation of the suitability of various sites for hosting a small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant (NPP) was conducted. The study assesses mature SMR technologies and provide insights into the next steps for deploying an SMR in [reference country]. The approach of the study is based on the guidelines...
Owing to the growing future energy security challenges on the national and international scale, it becomes necessary and urgent to set up a new and renewable energy policy in order to respond to the increasing demand for electric power. Quests that involve the exploring of all available resources of energy.
Nowadays, in the world, there has been an increasing interest in green energy, which...
Currently, State Corporation Rosatom is developing a wide range of SNPP based on RITM-200-type reactor plants.
The flagship project in the segment of land-based SNPP is a nuclear power plant with 55 MW (el) RITM-200N reactor plant designed on the basis of RITM-200 RP. Afrikantov OKBM JSC - an enterprise of nuclear engineering with many years of experience in the development and operation of...
After the successful commissioning of Akademik Lomonosov floating power unit with the KLT-40S reactor unit, the next step of ROSATOM was the development of floating power units for foreign markets with the RITM type reactor unit (FPU). The technical solutions of the FPU are based on practical experience in the design and operation of nuclear icebreakers and solving problems to ensure the...
Small modular reactor (SMR) pressure vessels depend greatly on the integrity of a bolted flange assembly. Whether subject to periodic refuelling cycles or through-life secure closure, the reliability and security of Reactor Vessel and ancillary containment will determine the overall safety of an SMR. This paper proposes the application of a highly proven approach from heat exchanger integrity...
VRE sources like solar and wind have high intermittency and with large shares of them, thermal generators would need to match the net load curve rather than the demand curve or need to perform VRE-following. The French experience [2] and existing literature, including works by Jenkins et al. [3] and Ponciroli et al. [4], primarily focus on load-following in large reactors, in scenarios with...
In many countries there is active consideration of floating NPPs, which can provide a reliable supply of energy far out to sea, or on an island, or in a coastal community. China is the third country to build a floating reactor, after the US and Russia. In 2016, China planed to build a demonstration floating NPPs and then install as many as 20 to provide power for offshore oil and gas...
Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) present a novel approach to install small modular reactors (SMRs) on floating barges or platforms to provide clean electricity and heat for remote coastal locations, to decarbonize offshore oil and gas or mining activities, or even to provide grid scale electricity production. Their mobility offers advantages over traditional land-based plants, but also...
Traditionally, nuclear power plants exist to make electricity, but they also must produce a lot of heat. Today, roughly 40% of all energy is wasted. More efficient energy use would be better for the environment and for the plant owner. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy supports a national laboratory Integrated Energy System (IES) program. The program conducts research,...
The French nuclear regulatory framework comprises three distinct areas: Safety, Security and Safeguards, each of which is overseen by different regulatory bodies.
The coordination among these authorities is crucial, with regular meetings held to facilitate information exchange.
This paper will present the current experience with this coordination between the Nuclear Security Authority and...
Following the launch of President Macron's 'France 2030' plan in February 2020, a dozen SMR designers have contacted the Département de la sécurité nucléaire (DSN), the French nuclear security authority, to seek regulatory support for implementing security by design.
SMR projects pose challenges for the DSN as the designers lack practical knowledge of nuclear security and do not have access...
Successful completion of a nuclear project, requires not only a competitive design, but a right project management strategy and its early prioritization. While it is natural for technology developers to prioritize research, development, and, perhaps, even testing of their design, accounting for certain “implementation” variables early in the process would lead to more realistic evaluation of...
The last decades the policy and decisions affecting nuclear power in Sweden have shifted many times. Since the referendum in the 1980’s, setting a definite end time to year 2010 which later was lifted, the possibilities and interest to invest in new nuclear power has been very low. After the election in 2022, as in many other countries, policy has made a U-turn and the Swedish Government has...
This paper explores the transformative journey of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) from conceptualization to practical implementation. It delves into the various aspects of SMR deployment, emphasizing the critical need for capacity building and collaboration to bridge existing gaps across multiple infrastructure issues specified in the IAEA publication NG-G-3.1 (Rev. 2) Milestones in the...
Forecasting the future costs of innovative energy technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), presents a complex challenge due to a multitude of uncertainties and variables. With over 100 SMR designs currently competing globally for commercial viability, achieving cost-effectiveness is a critical hurdle, particularly given the smaller reactors' inherent lack of economies of scale....
The responsibility for establishing its own physical protection regime of nuclear material and nuclear facilities rests entirely with the State.
As with other nuclear facilities, any type of small modular reactors requires implementation of physical protection measures.
The establishment of a physical protection system for small modular reactors should be based on the fundamental principles...
As many countries are looking for ways to meet their commitments to reduce carbon emissions by 2050, they are focused on the ongoing advancement of small modular reactor (SMR) technology as an option for responding to the effects of climate change and future energy demand. To ensure this new technology is viable as a supplement to existing energy sources, careful consideration of radioactive...
The global goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 has led to a push for carbon-free energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have the potential to support this energy transition by repurposing retired coal plants. This study identifies the size of coal plants in 54 countries where replacement with an SMR is suitable in terms of site-screening criteria. Using...
The nuclear industry has been described as being in a “stalemate”, because constituents facing first-mover concerns are trying to simultaneously generate orders for reactors, create a record of successfully deployed projects and build out a supply chain to sustain the industry’s scaling. Most participants agree that this triple-headed problem can only be resolved with various kinds and levels...
The nuclear industry has been described as being in a “stalemate”, because constituents facing first-mover concerns are trying to simultaneously generate orders for reactors, create a record of successfully deployed projects and build out a supply chain to sustain the industry’s scaling. Most participants agree that this triple-headed problem can only be resolved with various kinds and levels...
As nuclear power rediscovers broad demand within capital markets, public opinion, and policy circles, a reconceptualization of nuclear power’s risk-return profile in energy planning and durable role in the green economy is emerging. Advanced commercial nuclear power in the form of small-modular reactors (SMRs) has captured the imaginations of technologists and climate transition pragmatists,...
Abstract: SMR pressurized water reactor ACP100 can be widely used in factories, small and medium-sized towns for heating, power supply, steam supply, especially for island energy supply, marine resources development and other scenarios that are not suitable for the construction of large piles, and other features, which are suitable for emerging countries to carry out the project construction...
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention as potential contributors to climate change mitigation, particularly in hydrogen generation. SMRs are smaller and more flexible than traditional nuclear reactors, allowing for deployment in diverse locations and integration into existing energy infrastructure. They offer low-carbon electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting...
Heat pipes are self-contained two-phase passive cooling devices. Microreactor concepts configure heat pipes in parallel banks (arrays) to transport heat away from the core and into power generating working fluid. The array heat pipe experiment at the High Temperature Fuel Channel Laboratory (HTFC) of the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) simulates such configuration using 12...
Heat transfer deterioration (HTD) phenomena in SMR operating at supercritical pressure (Gen-IV Reactor Design) pose a significant thermal hydraulic challenge. Extensive research has been conducted on the onset of HTD and the bouncy effect it induces. However, little attention has been given to understanding the mechanism behind HTD occurrence. This study aims to analyze the velocity and...
High temperature reactors are helium-cooled reactors which consist largely of graphite, both fuel elements (pebbles) and the main structure material. It uses a special fuel element made of graphite in which the uranium dioxide in three-fold coated particles is homogeneously dispersed in a graphite matrix. The coatings especially the silicon carbide layer create an effective barrier against...
CAREM25 operates with an innovate helical-coiled steam generator (SG) integrated within the reactor pressure vessel, envisioned to provide superheated steam while presenting a low hydraulic resistance that allows for the primary coolant natural circulation. For this reason, the secondary coolant flows inside the SG’s pipes distributed across six annular arrangements named as “jackets”, and the...
HEXANA is a French start-up committed to the design and development of an innovative small modular sodium fast reactor. Its objective is to deal with the key challenges of the energy transition that are still poorly addressed today, mainly through the decarbonization of the hard to abate energy intensive industries and the need for flexible power sources in addition to renewable energies. The...
Today, there is growing interest for light water integral PWRs (iPWR), that for their main specific features are considered one of the key technologies for the short-term nuclear technology deployment. In this framework, despite iPWRs show a reinforcement of the first three levels of DiD due to the use of passive safety systems, independent features for preventing or mitigating hypothetical...
The purpose of this research is to enhance requirements for personnel considering Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities during the adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in the context of nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) activities. The goal is to understand how AI might integrate into the emergency response organizations for SMR deployments to improve decision-making...
An innovative project of land-based water-cooled Russian design iSMR named RITM-200 is planned to use ATF technology – fuel rod enclosed in chromium-nickel alloy cladding [1, 2]. Due to integral design SB-LOCAs are most common severe accidents to happen.
Under LOCA conditions hydrogen release is determined mostly by the steam oxidation of core materials. Contribution of boron carbide and...
This is a place holder to include here a summary of the conclusions from the IAEA International Conference on Spent Fuel Management 2024 to be held on 10-14 June 2024 where there is a TRACK dedicated to discussing the management of SNF from SMRs including all technologies envisaged today.
Advanced small modular reactor (SMR) designs use various nuclear fuel element types that can be significantly different than conventional light water reactor (LWR) fuels, including differences in size, composition, and chemical form (e.g., oxide, carbide, metallic). Nearly all the proposed advanced fuels use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which can have much higher enrichments than...
Advanced reactors, including aSMR, GenIV, etc. aim to enhance reliability by incorporating passive safety systems into their plant design. These systems leverage passive methods to provide a high level of reliability for removing decay heat from the reactor core to achieve safe shutdown conditions or other safety functions. Since these systems in some advanced reactor design could provide an...
Launched in 2020 within the French Alternatives energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the IDNES (Innovative Decarbonized Nuclear Energy Systems) project aims to take a new approach to the use of civil nuclear power generation, expanding its role beyond power production to provide other energy carriers by developing energy system concepts that include Small Modula Reactor (SMR)...
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) integrates activities in safety, security, and safeguards (3S) and promotes the concept of 3S by design. The IAEA objectifies to harmonize the 3S interfaces in an integrated manner to avoid compromise of any one realm over the others. The International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO), a key programme of the IAEA,...
The world is facing growing global energy demands and the need to reduce reliance on non-ecological energy sources. Floating nuclear power units can serve as a flexible and sustainable option for generating power. The identification of FNPUs as nuclear vessels and facilities underlines the need for adherence to international regulations of both the nuclear and maritime law, because the...
SMRs are seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for low-carbon, affordable, and reliable yet flexible energy supply. They are still in the process of identifying and proving their value proposition in relation to the large scale nuclear power, traditional energy sources, and renewables. In Russia, small scale nuclear power is already helping to decarbonize remote isolated grids and...
The popularity of advanced and small modular reactors (A/SMR) is driving “security-by-design” (SeBD) efforts. Current approaches range from applying traditional protection strategies “early in the design lifecycle” to seeking “intrinsic security…as an integral part of the organization” to making “security…[a] part of the facility lifestyle.” Yet, international A/SMR considerations highlight an...
Purpose: The paper explores integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with solar and wind energy as an alternative to conventional/traditional nuclear power plants/reactors for Ghana's sustainable energy transition post-COP28.
Methods: The study employed a quantitative analysis to evaluate the effects of combining SMRs with solar and wind energy in Ghana's energy landscape using HOMER and the...
In 2023, a study prepared by the Brazilian Energy Research Company and the Idaho National Laboratory was released. Entitled "Preliminary Assessment of Opportunities and Challenges for Small Modular Reactors in Brazil", this study discussed some opportunities that SMRs could introduce into the country's electricity generation and energy transition market.
At the same time, the Brazilian...
The concept of sustainable nuclear energy development through strategic energy planning is facilitated by the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO), a key programme of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The INPRO programme has various activities supporting Member States (MSs) in strategic planning for sustainable nuclear energy incorporating...
Abstract: Nuclear power project is an extremely complex systematic project, the first reactor demonstration project control risk is more prominent, and equipment procurement is precisely all kinds of risk interlaced with the concentration of the field, easy to become the main constraints in the construction of nuclear power projects and management problems.
In order to...
The Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP28) to the UNFCC held in Dubai Nov-Dec 2023 has become the “Nuclear COP” as displayed in the media. The reason for that informal title was the unprecedented reference to nuclear in the Global Stocktake document known as “UAE consensus”. More than 25 countries signed the Ministerial declaration setting the goal for tripling nuclear capacity by 2050...
The wide range of nuclear power plant technologies currently in design globally have a range of unique characteristics that create novel security considerations compared to large conventional nuclear power plants. Some of these characteristics create insider threat considerations for nuclear security, where insiders are defined as individuals with legitimate access to nuclear facilities and...
Small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors must become more cost-effective compared to other energy production facilities to be sustainable long-term. In the United States, the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Reactor Safeguards and Security (ARSS) program has been working to develop integrated and cost-efficient physical protection system (PPS) designs that could...
A consensus is growing within the nuclear industry that an alternative contractual model to the traditional EPC agreement is needed in order to successfully deliver new nuclear projects on time and on budget. This paper will provide an overview of a newly created Integrated Project Delivery Agreement (IPDA), one option for an alternative contractual model. The IPDA is a hybrid agreement,...
With a population of over Two Hundred and Twenty Three (223) million, Nigeria remains the most populated country in Africa and the sixth-largest exporter of crude oil in the world. The country has a total installed capacity of 12,522MWe, with 83% contribution from fossil fuels, 14% from hydropower and 3% from solar and other sources. The country has been experiencing a lingering energy crisis...
The rapid evolution of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology has triggered renewed interest in exploring innovative applications within the framework of nuclear hybrid energy systems. SMR, given their greater flexibility in terms of siting and power rates, are one of the most suitable candidates to be integrated in energy systems aimed at providing multiple energetic assets.
In this context,...
Abstract: At present, civil nuclear power design at home and abroad follows a number of standard systems, and the requirements of different standard systems differ in some areas. Hainan Changjiang ‘Linglong 1’SMR demonstration project is based on China's mature pressurised water reactor design experience, combined with other advanced nuclear power design and technology concepts, independent...
ABSTRACT:
The integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into Ghana's energy mix presents a promising pathway towards achieving sustainable development goals through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while addressing the challenges of meeting energy demand. This paper explores the key considerations and strategies for establishing an enabling environment to facilitate the successful...
The International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) has developed a comprehensive methodology to assess the sustainability of nuclear energy systems in terms of environmental impact, safety, proliferation resistance, waste management, infrastructure, and economics. Within the framework of the newly-established competence centre in Sweden entitled...
This paper presents the Interactive Graphic Simulator (SGI) of the CAREM25 reactor, which is used as a tool for verifying its engineering and design. The development of this SGI is part of the design and development of a Full-Scope Simulator (SAT), which will be used for training operators of the CAREM25 nuclear power plant.
The paper describes the models of the systems included in the SGI,...
[Article relates to Topic 4: Tracks 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17]
The proposed multilateral nuclear infrastructure bank, IBNI[1] embodies a set of comprehensive solutions addressing unique multi-dimensional challenges impeding global scaling of nuclear technologies (including SMRs). This article will expressly address how IBNI will support SMR deployment within the specific context of ‘Topic...
As cyberattack becomes more complex and intelligent, an air-gapped computer or network of nuclear power plants cannot guarantee 100% safety from cyberattacks. For the Iranian nuclear facility in 2010, a malicious computer worm broke into the nuclear program and disabled the key part although the target was located in the air-gapped facility. In most small modular reactors(SMRs), the...
The quality of TRISO-coated nuclear fuel particles is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and safety of high-temperature gas-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs) that utilize TRISO technology. This is why the TRISO particles must be uniform in size, shape, and coating, as well as free of defects. The technique used for coating TRISO particles are gas-solids spouted beds via chemical...
ABSTRACT
The increasing interest in Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) is primarily governed by the climate change. SMRs are unique in design in contrast to existing fleet of nuclear power plants thus regulatory framework should be tailored in areas of licensing, design, siting, manufacturing including emergency preparedness and response. Nuclear regulatory agencies around the world...
Challenging European and Italian regulation aims at reaching carbon neutrality in Italy by 2050. A scenario totally fueled by renewable sources would be compliant with this target, with strong drawbacks from economical and system security point of views.
For this reason, through a proprietary model an optimized scenario has been drafted, starting from Italian PNIEC1 energy mix at 2030....
Italy's interest and involvement in Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR) technologies dates back to almost two decades ago and had a notable surge in recent years. As a nation investigating the possibility of restarting a nuclear program, Italy has recognized the potential of innovative nuclear technologies to contribute to its energy security and sustainability...
Jordan has been extensively studying using SMRs for electricity and water desalination. Being highly dependent on imported natural gas for its power, the need for a local cheap power source alternate is extreme. Since Jordan is a developing country, its abilities, and resources are limited, an evaluation matrix presenting these limitations was generated, in addition to the country's demands...
Updated Energy and Climate Plan
The updated Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (Plan) is a strategic document in the field of energy and the environment until 2030. Part of the Plan is the safe use of nuclear energy as a low-carbon source of electricity. In terms of energy supply security and diversification efforts, the Plan confirms the importance of new innovative technologies....
Introducing nuclear power is among the top priorities of Poland’s Energy Policy. The aim of the paper is to present legal, institutional and policy instruments adopted by the Polish Government and Parliament to facilitate deployment of nuclear power plants, with focus on those instruments that are particularly relevant to SMRs.
The particular attention will be given to the special...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a promising advancement in nuclear technology, offering enhanced safety features, scalability, and flexibility compared to traditional large-scale reactors. The use of passive safety features combined with the lower source term make an SMR inherently safer than a large Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and opens the possibility for optimization of the design...
Abstract
A radiotherapy electron accelerator (LINAC) operating on the usual bremsstrahlung producing energetic photons (5.5 – 25 MeV) provides demonstrated [ , ] neutron production when operating in the Giant Dipole Resonance (GDR) region where most medical linacs are actively operated. It is employed with effectiveness to induce neutrons via the reactions (γ , n), (γ , fis) and (e , e’n) in...
The climate goal requires a gradual reduction in fossil fuel use and peak emissions before 2050, together with a transition towards low-carbon energy technologies [1]. In Türkiye, the largest share of total CO2 emissions by sectoral distribution was energy-related emissions with 353.0 MtCO2 (share of 70.2% in total emissions) in 2020 [2]. The Türkiye National Energy Plan covers the period...
In the realm of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), ensuring robust security measures is imperative to safeguard against potential threats to both physical infrastructure and computer systems.
This article presents a thorough investigation into machine learning (ML) solutions to fortify security measures within SMRs. It begins with a detailed analysis of the multifaceted security considerations,...
Nuclear energy will play a significant role in the energy transition. Without nuclear energy it is impossible to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The development of SMR further strengthens the acceptability of nuclear energy in the world. The macroeconomic impact of the SMR development is very important, especially in the case of countries that are technology importers, such as Croatia. One...
The innovative-SMR (i-SMR) being developed in South Korea has maintenance challenges due to its integral reactor design compared to conventional nuclear power plants. To overcome these limitations, the i-SMR has been designed with maintenance considerations. The maintenance procedure for the i-SMR includes several steps aimed at optimizing maintenance efficiency. The maintenance procedure for...
The conversation about economic development in Ghana is co-evolving with sustainability, technological innovation, and energy security through Nuclear Power.
To maximise Nuclear Power in Ghana, the economic opportunities that lie ahead require a new and deep strategic focus, especially with the emergence of new SMR technologies. Cogeneration allows SMR technology to be deployed to produce...
This paper presents the current status of the Microreactor Applications, Research, Validation, and Evaluation (MARVEL) microreactor design, qualification testing, fabrication, and high-level construction schedule. An overview of initial criticality, low power physics testing, and start-up testing is included, as well as an overview of the envisioned processes in which end-users can engage ...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) endorsed as the au courant solution to the dire global energy crisis are still in the incipient stage of its designing and deployment. While developing countries like India have had SMRs on their policy line-ups for a couple of years now, they haven’t translated to practical commercial options given the lack of a standardized design, augmented investments and...
Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a promising solution to the deployment challenges of gigawatt-scale nuclear projects, yet concerns over first-of-a-kind (FOAK) risk may deter potential customers. This paper proposes leveraging proven financing and contracting strategies from the renewable energy sector to alleviate FOAK anxiety among energy buyers. Through contracting strategies such as...
Abstract
Heat-pipes are passive heat transfer devices, which have very long lives when properly designed and fabricated. Fuel pool Heat should be removed to keep fuel temperature within safe limit. A gravity assisted two-phase closed heat-pipe loop (GTPCHL) as a passive cooling system could be used to remove this heat. This paper proposes a completely passive cooling system using loop...
NAAREA is a French startup currently designing a 80 MWth fast modular micro-reactor fueled with a molten chloride. No such reactor has been designed or operated in the past, the available experience return on molten salt reactors being limited to fluoride based thermal reactors built at ORNL in the fifties and sixties. The current safety framework which has capitalized on several decades of...
National Reactor Innovation Center Advanced Construction Technology Program
Luke Voss
Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
luke.voss@inl.gov
Abstract.
The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) Advanced Construction Technology Initiative (ACTI) supports a transformation in nuclear energy construction and deployment costs as various nuclear energy economic studies have...
The article comprehensively focuses on various factors of Small Modular Reactor SMR deployment in Saudi Arabia as one of the strategic decisions that the country needs to make in its quest to have a sustainable and resilient energy future. The study explores the opportunities, that stem from building nuclear infrastructure, as many SMRs would be deployed. The article emphasizes how the...
The mission of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is to assist its member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co-operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Through the activities of its different standing technical committees and joint...
The study was focused on the analysis of light water Small Modular Reactor (SMR) with a square-shaped fuel element. The core design, based on the Westinghouse UO2 SMR with less than 5% enrichment was developed using the open-source Monte Carlo (OpenMC) code. Neutronics analyses of the core with UO2 fuel was achieved to characterize parameters such as the radial neutron flux profile, the...
Very small modular nuclear reactors (vSMR), or micro-reactors, are identified as a potential means to provide reliable and cost-effective power between 1 and 10 MWe for remote installations. This paper presents a neutronic optimization study of sodium gas-cooled Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) design that has been simulated using the Monte Carlo method. As a high fidelity open source Monte Carlo...
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health, safety, security, and the environment by regulating nuclear energy and materials. As the landscape of nuclear technology evolves, particularly with the emergence of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the CNSC is proactively preparing to regulate these novel reactor technologies effectively.
In...
newcleo is designing SMR-LFRs fuelled with uranium and plutonium mixed oxide (MOX).
A novel approach is envisioned to better use the fissile nuclear material from the current fuel cycle.
newcleo is planning to design, build and operate a state-of-the-art MOX fuel facility versatile and modular in nature with an innovative concept to cope with radiological and nuclear thermal effects in...
newcleo is designing MOX-fuelled SMR-LFRs, aiming at commissioning a MOX production plant and a demonstrator in the early 2030s, followed by a 200MWe First-Of-A-Kind and a fleet.
The strengths of newcleo's reactor are safety, simplicity, compactness and cost competitiveness. These rely on lead properties and are enhanced by our innovative solutions, resulting in the elimination of several...
As the latest small modular pressurized water reactor developed by the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET) of Tsinghua University, the NHR200-II maintains all the technical advantages of its predecessors (NHR5, NHR200-I), including integrated layout, full-power natural circulation, self-pressurization, intermediate loop isolation, and passive safety. The off-site emergency...
Nuclear energy has been considered as a carbon-free alternative of the unabated fossil fuels for electric and non-electric applications. To replace various kinds of energy consumption with it, a nuclear reactor is required to be multipurposable. A small modular reactor (SMR) has an advantage in a site flexibility, which is possible to construct the unit near a demanded site. The application of...
Abstract : Nonlinear ultrasonic testing (NUT) technique can be used to identify microscopic material properties over conventional (linear) UT owing to its high sensitivity in which the nonlinear parameters establish a set of signal pattern recognitions such as forming higher harmonic waves. To replace conventional SAW, ESW on cladding, implementation of laser cladding technique has been...
Since establishing the company Norsk Kjernekraft (“Norwegian nuclear power”) in summer 2022, the company has engaged with more than 45 interested municipalities and public support for nuclear energy nationally has risen to more than 50 %. The rising support stems from a huge need for clean energy to decarbonize existing industry, and a strong public opposition towards establishing large...
Deployment of land-based light-water SMRs is one of the options considered for adding new nuclear capacity in Sweden. In comparison with the currently and previously operating Swedish reactors, the proposed SMR designs entail a number of novel features. In this ongoing work such novelties are being identified and the need for further research is evaluated.
A shortlist of five SMRs, one BWR...
International commerce in small modular reactors (SMR) supplied from a state to another state is poised to expand considerably in the near term. “While most advanced reactors will likely be sited in conventional terrestrial locations, marine-based water cooled SMRs have been designed for deployment either as a barge-mounted floating power unit or as an immersible underwater power unit. In...
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, supported by cybersecurity experts from the national laboratories, has proposed a technology-inclusive, performance-based, and risk-informed cybersecurity regulatory framework for advanced reactor operators including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This regulatory framework aims to provide a process that accounts for the differing risk levels within SMR...
According to (NEA, 2022) the potential market for small modular reactors (SMR) is 375 GW of installed capacity by 2050. However, the current supply chain configuration, characterized by short-term contracts and limited suppliers, is a major constraint for this vision, since on inside acts as a bottleneck and, on the other side, increases transaction costs for the stakeholders e.g. vendors,...
In order to achieve the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target in 2060 in accordance with Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021 concerning the value of the carbon economy, Indonesia plans an energy transition from fossil energy to new renewable energy (NRE) because it is more environmentally friendly and can reduce carbon use and emission levels. However, in making the energy transition from fossil...
Hydrogen demand is expected to sharply increase shortly as technology development uses hydrogen as a new energy source. Currently hydrogen production relies primarily on fossil fuels, which are neither environmentally friendly nor economically efficient. In order to establish a hydrogen economy, it is imperative to produce a large amount of hydrogen in a clean, safe, and efficient manner....
Small Modular Reactors (SMR) present a range of novel characteristics which have the potential to create security considerations. These characteristics can be categorised according to six areas: (1) Power Capacity and Modular Manufacture and Construction, (2) Reduced Capital and Operating Costs, (3) Increasing Automation and Remote Operations, (4) Advanced Reactors and Fuels, (5) Deployment...
More than 640 million people in Africa do not have access to electricity. Experts reveal that the rapid proliferation of small modular reactors could transform the evolution nuclear energy in Africa.
A sall modular reactor (SMR) is a nuclear fission reactor, smaller in size and power than conventional reactors, manufactured in a factory and transported to the installation site for...
Molten salt reactors are a novel reactor design concept where the fuel is often used in a molten form. These reactors are believed to be safer and more efficient than the conventional light water reactors operating today. They also differ significantly in their design and operation and pose unique safeguards challenges many of which remain to be overcome. Some of these challenges arise from...
This work discusses the technological strategy adopted in CAREM25 to fulfil the Principle of Defense in Depth and its assessment by Deterministic and Probabilistic Safety Analysis (DSA, PSA). The strategy defined for levels 3A and 3B is based on two stages and using passive and active systems. Moreover, the implemented DiD strategy is the basis for setting graduated criteria for safety...
Countries around the world are looking towards nuclear power and advanced nuclear technologies as an effective means of decarbonization. These advanced reactor designs deviate significantly from the existing generation of light water reactors, including in the incorporation of passive safety systems, flexible siting options, cogeneration, and modular construction. These new characteristics...
Nuclear and renewable energy offer the potential for significant long-term supplies of heat and power at relatively stable prices, and for producing lower GHG emissions than alternative fossil-fuel sources. Owing to their large capital costs and low fuel costs, nuclear power plants require a high load or capacity factor to be economically viable. Renewable energy sources on the other hand have...
This study conducts a numerical investigation and transient analysis of key parameters associated with a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) scenario in a NuScale Power small modular reactor (SMR). The NuScale [1] is a unique SMR reactor, differentiated by design features such as submerging the containment vessel in the reactor pool, having an integrated loop, using a natural circulation...
In the context of global decarbonization, nuclear energy and more specifically SMRs present a significant potential. The NUWARD SMR is being developed to meet the European and wider international market energy needs. From the early design phases, development of a modularized and simplified standardized design has been targeted, to be deployed internationally without significant re-design. In a...
Since the creation of the French nuclear fleet, the question of adding a cogeneration option (also known as Combined Heat and Power CHP) has arisen in connection with the different crises on the price of fossil fuels. Leveraging the direct utilization of nuclear heat for industrial applications emerges as a compelling alternative to relying on fossil fuels, showcasing superior efficiency...
Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) passed so far through various stages of evolution. For the Small Modular Reactors (SMR), which are part of this complex process valuable insights might be provided a triple facet perspective based on considering this type of NPP as a:
I. New phase in the safety principles evolution, as for instance safety concepts or Defence in Depth
II. Thermodynamic and...
The development of the new generation of nuclear power reactors is a result of continuous improvement from efficiency and safety perspectives. Even if safety criteria are very important, the nuclear reactor technology is targeting a development area of an optimum between them and the performance criteria.
As there is a large set of new types of Small and Modular Reactors (SMR), the...
Energy continues to be a central constraint to the socio-economic development prospects of the ECOWAS region. The current level of development of the energy system is a bottleneck for the social, economic, and industrial development throughout the region. This paradoxical energy circumstance in the ECOWAS region has sparked interest in several Heads of States in the region who are keen to...
Abstracts
The 28th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) marked a significant milestone in recognizing nuclear energy as a key component in combating climate change. In the global energy landscape, small modular reactors are increasingly recognized for their capacity to generate carbon-neutral energy. Consequently, various industries are contemplating the...
In Kenya, nuclear energy is poised to complement renewable sources, particularly through the adoption of small modular reactors. Long-term national energy plans outline incorporation of three units of nuclear power plants, each generating 291 megawatts, into the grid by 2038. Preliminary assessments for Kenya's inaugural nuclear power plant reveal a capital cost of approximately 500 billion...
One of Ethiopia's most crucial and fundamental infrastructures is the energy sector to transition the country to green and sustainable energy sources in order to meet its goal of becoming a middle-income nation by 2025. In recent years, Ethiopia has experienced rapid social and economic development, which has contributed to significant advancements toward Sustainable Development Goal 2. The...
Advanced modular reactors (AMRs) are small modular reactors (SMRs) of the 4th generation that offer safety, efficiency, flexibility, fuel cycle completion, to complement the current reactors. This presentation aims to explore the optimal deployment of AMRs in different regions, namely France, Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, and China, until 2050, considering the current phases of...
In our work, we set as a primary goal to determine what expectations can be formulated for a newly installed SMR (Small Modular Reactor) in terms of district heating supply and integrated electricity production in an urban environment. Alongside optimal sizing, the level of flexibility and cogeneration capability required for integration into the urban energy system was examined. When...
SMRs, which are usually characterized by modularity, short construction period and flexible deployment, can be used as a clean distributed energy source for power supply as well as for a variety of purposes, such as seawater desalination, district heating and industrial heating. As the key component of a nuclear reactor, the performance of the fuel element is the most important factor...
The urgent need for clean, sustainable energy solutions is crucial for tackling environmental concerns and securing energy resources. Hydrogen, a versatile and high-energy-density fuel, holds promise across multiple sectors. Yet, its widespread adoption relies on efficient, cost-effective production methods. In recent years, electrolysis has garnered significant attention as a sustainable...
Small Modular Reactor (SMR) has gained global attention owing to its numerous advantages. SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor) is one of the most verified SMR designs which has obtained Standard Design Approval (SDA). Recently, a variation of SMART100 (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor100), has been suggested. The newly proposed reactor, SMART-C is an advanced concept of...
The application of parametric thinking has enabled Rolls-Royce SMR to design the latest Small Modular Reactor to encompass modularity throughout its evolution from the first principles of its bold architectural vision through to the detail of how the smallest elements are put...
The Breed-and-Burn reactor maximizes uranium utilization due to use of depleted or natural uranium and breeds fissile fuels while burning them. For this design, neutron economy is necessary to be high during core operation to achieve critical core. It can be accomplished by locating fuels with large neutron multiplication factors in the high neutron flux region by appropriate shuffling...
In order to respond to the global climate crisis and supply sustainable clean energy, the Republic of Korea has developing a new SMR named innovative SMR(i-SMR). The safety goals of the i-SMR are that a core damage frequency (CDF) is less than 10-E9 and a large early release frequency (LERF) is less than 10-E10. To achieve these safety goals, a passive system design is applied and a non-safety...
This presentation delves into the evolving role of nuclear energy, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), in Colombia's electrical sector. It addresses the country's increasing energy demands against the backdrop of climate challenges and the limitations of traditional hydroelectric power and intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind energy. Nuclear energy, especially SMRs, is...
SMR plants can be downsized by configuring fewer equipment and systems compare to conventional nuclear power plants. In addition, SMR plants have versatile applications beyond electricity generation, including hydrogen production, heat supply, etc. In this study, a virtual SMR plant was selected and the plant heat balance was modeled using PEPSE software. Based on the established heat balance...
The PeLUIt-40 (Pembangkit Listrik dan Uap untuk Industri) reactor, a pebble-bed High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) with a power of 40 MWt designed for electricity and co-generation applications, holds promise as a solution for clean energy. A thorough examination of neutronic and thermal-hydraulic aspects is essential to assess the resilience of the PeLUIt-40 design and ensure...
Currently, Peru has high expectations regarding the potential offered by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) technology as an alternative for sustainable and secure energy solutions, along with their low costs, owing to their advantages in various applications to counterbalance the social and environmental demands faced by the nation. However, the absence of specific legislation and regulatory...
In 2008, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a policy statement that stressed the importance of considering safety and security requirements together in the new reactor design process, so that security issues (e.g., newly identified threats of terrorist attacks) can be effectively resolved through facility design and engineered security features (Federal Register, Vol. 73, No....
Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) is a Polish company that plans to deploy a fleet of SMR reactors in Poland using the BWRX-300 technology provided by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH). Poland has ambitions to decarbonize its energy mix using nuclear technology, both large-scale and SMR. Currently, Poland shortage highly qualified staff in the nuclear industry. Most Polish specialists gained...
This research delves into the dynamics of Argentina's nuclear policy debate on Twitter, focusing specifically on the development and construction of Carem 25, the nation's first small modular reactor (SMR). Spanning from 2010 to 2022, the study employs Discourse Network Analysis (DNA) to dissect stakeholder involvement, coalition formations, and evolving narratives. DNA systematically measures...
The request for drinkable and industrial-use water is steadily increasing by following the fast development and urbanization in areas such as the Middle East and by the effect of climate change. The nuclear energy has been even recently confirmed to be one of the key technologies required for the fulfillment of the Energy Transition targets.
The Small Modular Reactor concept is often coupled...
Slovenia is a nuclear country with a NPP in operation since 1983 that in 2023 extended its operational lifetime for 20 years until 2043. A project for a new GEN III PWR is starting and according to plan it should begin its operation in 2037. In parallel, there are some other interesting options for investors in SMRs available in the country.
In 2023, the Slovenian Ministry of the...
The INB – Industrias Nucleares do Brasil is a public company of Brazil which exercises the monopoly of the nuclear fuel cycle. Currently, we supply the demand of nuclear fuel for the Brazilian nuclear power plants – Angra 1 and Angra 2, and the planned Angra 3 NPP.
Given the energy targets established for Brazil, from 2GW in 2023 to 8-10GW by 2050 of nuclear power generation, according to the...
The United Republic of Tanzania (URT) is currently expanding its rail network with the construction of a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), spanning approximately 2,000 km from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and Kigoma, and from there linking the URT to Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The SGR's operations will rely on electricity from The Tanzania Electric Supply Company...
Small modular reactors (SMRs) is widely considered as an essential part of an energy mix portfolio to reach the climate goals. In addition to their announced ability to generate clean, affordable and reliable power, Ukraine looks at SMRs also for decentralization the power system and to reduce its vulnerability to external impacts.
International experience shows the benefits of early...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) are different in their requirements for process instrumentation, especially sensors to measure temperature, pressure, level, flow, and neutron flux. SMRs are generally water cooled, low temperature and high pressure systems while AMRs are high temperature and relatively low pressure. Therefore, the type of process sensors to be...
Solid oxide electrolysers (SOEs) are a reliable and versatile method for producing clean fuels. SOEs can produce hydrogen from steam (electrolysis), or syngas (controllable ratios of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) from steam and carbon dioxide (co-electrolysis). Co-electrolysis provides the opportunity to produce a wide range of clean synthetic fuels, such as diesel, methane, and methanol. The...
The supercritical CO2 (S-CO2) Brayton cycle has garnered significant attention in SMRs due to its highly efficient thermoelectric conversion, compact component size, and simplified cycle layout. However, the corrosion of alloys in high-temperature S-CO2 environments poses a major challenge for the application of the S-CO2 Brayton cycle system, given its high operating temperature (up to 750°C)...
Over the past few years, there has been considerable interest in the use of modular steel-concrete composite structures for the construction of buildings for nuclear power plant, especially out of Europe. Indeed, the use of steel concrete structures is known to shorten the construction duration, as it enables to reduce the number of tasks such as erecting the concrete formwork and installing...
Brief overview of current status of SHELF-M transportable SMR project, that is currently under development in JSC "NIKIET" and is planned to go operational in 2030.
Main characteristics of the first of a kind SNPP based on the SHELF-M: thermal capacity is 35 MW(t), electric capacity is 10 MW(e), fuel campaign is 8 years, tolerant fuel, enrichment up to 20 %, low energy intensity of the...
The practical implementation of safeguards by design (SBD) in first-of-a-kind small modular reactors presents a challenge to reactor designers because regulations and policies are silent on safeguards measures, or if at all, specified during deployment rather than during the design phase. Detailed requirements for domestic and IAEA safeguards systems depend upon site, design, and country...
One of the most effective ways to ensure logistics and economic activities in the Arctic region is to use nuclear-powered icebreakers having a high icebreaking capability and navigation autonomy. From 1959 and to this day, four generations of reactor plants for nuclear ships and floating power units (FPUs) have been developed and tested under real operating conditions. Twenty-eight reactor...
Problem
There is a new wave of interest for the generation of nuclear power using SMR’s. The effectiveness and appropriateness of current international legal binding instruments to regulate Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) needs to be assessed and validated. There seems to be a consensus on the fact that international legal binding instruments are not ready to regulate and control SMRs. It...
The Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) is a design for a type of advanced nuclear reactor that utilizes molten salt as both the coolant and the fuel solvent, targeted at developing a commercial product for the small modular reactor (SMR) market. This innovative approach to nuclear reactor design offers several advantages over traditional solid-fueled reactors, including enhanced safety...
In recent years, the nuclear sector has started to regain visibility at EU level, mainly after the energy crisis but also due to the still ongoing geopolitical situation. In this context, nuclear in general and SMRs in particular have benefited from a series of enabling measures in recent legislative proposals such as the Sustainable Finance - Taxonomy and the Net Zero Industry Act. Likewise,...
As many advanced and small modular reactor developers are entering the licensing process and looking to expand their commercial offerings internationally, nuclear security is a critical but often overlooked element as part of the design process. Probabilistic risk assessments are being used to support risk-informed safety assessments but have not gained significant awareness as highly...
Beyond the sustained efforts of the international nuclear community to promote common safety principles and approaches, nuclear safety regulatory frameworks remain very national specific at the implementation level. While many SMR designs are being considered across borders, with the industrial imperative of minimizing design changes, convergences of regulatory standpoint emerge as crucial....
Performance-based regulation offers flexibility for modern and innovative technologies across many sectors, including nuclear. In Canada, like many other nations, nuclear regulatory frameworks evolved during the design and rollout of its first commercial reactors in the 1960’s to 1980’s. Canadian regulation at this time was heavily performance based, coupled with reliance on scientific...
Small module reactors (SMRs) are in the spotlight worldwide as a means of carbon neutrality primarily because of their safety and economic feasibility. South Korea is in the process of developing an innovative SMR(iSMR), with a licensing goal of 2028. It is necessary to reorganize regulatory requirements and improve the framework as the development of domestic SMRs, including iSMR, increases...
The proposed licensing path and deployment model for the eVinci microreactor utilizes various regulations and licenses. A deployment model will be presented which depicts the Westinghouse plan to successfully and safely deploy multiple eVinci microreactors in the future. The deployment model includes a nuclear test reactor to collect data and support the safety case, including code...
The regulatory framework for nuclear energy in Nigeria is primarily governed by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act of 1995, which established the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to regulate nuclear activities. This Act outlines the NNRA's responsibilities in licensing, inspection, and enforcement related to nuclear facilities and materials, as well as addressing...
The deployment of SMRs presents unique security challenges that necessitate a re-evaluation and adaptation of Norway's existing nuclear regulatory framework. This paper aims to systematically analyse the modifications required in Norway’s nuclear regulatory framework to specifically address the security aspects of SMRs. It will focus on the critical areas of licensing processes, security...
Korea government and nuclear industry now have been developing the new SMR called innovative SMR(i-SMR) by leading from the Korea government and KHNP(Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power company). KHNP sets the top tier requirements to secure the high level of safety, economic efficiency and flexibility. The i-SMR adopts the new plant design including integrated modular reactor, fully passive...
With the increased interest and activities in development of commercial advanced reactors and their fuels, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is assessing potential use of advanced technologies to minimize risk and uncertainties related to reactors operations and maintenance, within its flexible regulatory framework. To aid this assessment, the NRC staff is engaged in several...
The Philippines faces a significant challenge in its efforts to incorporate nuclear energy into its energy portfolio by 2032. In such a short time frame, the country looks at Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a viable source of reliable baseload energy which can be deployed to major islands not connected to the main grid or to regions utilizing renewable energy sources. However, complex...
In recent developments, nuclear reactor design has adopted a multi-module design for small modular reactor (SMR). In this design, a single reactor unit consists of several uniform reactor modules that are placed in an adjacent location inside the reactor building with a shared structure, system, and component (SSC) between induvidual modules. This configuration causes some deviation in the...
In Malaysia, the Department of Atomic Energy (Atom Malaysia) is the regulatory body to control the usage of atomic energy activities under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 (Act 304). The atomic energy activities carried out including the operation of research reactor, irradiation facility, non-destructive testing activities, gauging, research and education as well as the Naturally...
The primary role of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is to regulate the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment, including setting regulatory requirements for managing supply chain activities. The CNSC ensures that licensees effectively control the work of suppliers through oversight and inspection activities. CSA Group standard...
Recently, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have been actively being developed around the world and many of SMRs adopt passive safety feature as their safety systems. The nuclear industry in Korea is also developing a unique SMR called innovative SMR (iSMR) fully equipped with Passive Safety Systems. (PSSs) In light of these circumstances, KINS has launched a regulatory research project in order...
Relationship between SMR and Planetary Boundaries: A mitigation strategy for the global environmental crisis
Scientific evidence indicates that of the 9 planetary boundaries that have been defined, 6 have been exceeded. High CO2 emissions, land use change, disturbance of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, damage to the integrity of the biosphere, the effects on fresh water and the...
Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) are areas around a nuclear or radiological facility where arrangements to protect the public in case of nuclear emergency are planned. This paper presents and discusses the calculation of EPZ distances based on a novel approach for the analytical identification and classification of the source term for accidents with total or partial fuel damage. This approach...
As the world makes strides towards achieving climate goals and reducing carbon emissions, it is worthwhile to consider the opportunities of repurposing coal power plants that have been mothballed or are reaching it’s end of life. Coal still dominates the South African energy mix by providing 80% of the total system load. Hybrid energy systems are perfect candidates to address the current...
Abstract: The SMR ‘Linglong-1’ (ACP100) developed by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been favoured by domestic and international markets due to its inherent safety, flexibility of deployment and wide range of applications. This paper introduces the application of digital technology in the operation and maintenance of SMR on the premise of ensuring safety, improving the level of...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are defined as reactors of small to medium size,producing up to 300 MW(e) (small-sized or small modular) or 300 to 700 MW(e)(medium-sized). More than 80 SMRs are under development worldwide, such as the U.S., Canada, Russia, the U.K., China, and others. Under SMR development, nuclear regulatory bodies in the U.S., U.K., and Canada have established close...
Recently, an interdisciplinary research project on floating nuclear reactors was initiated. The overall goal of the project is to perform research related to the safety, safeguards and security of such systems, and to support Safeguards and Security by Design. The project, which will run for 3.5 years, will investigate challenges associated with equipping ships with nuclear reactors. Such...
One of the proposed advantages of small modular reactors (SMRs) is that they could be built in controlled factory environments and transported to power plant sites for installation. This concept aligns with the nascent ideas of transportable nuclear power plants (TNPPs) and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) that could be constructed in shipyards specialized in building large, complex...
Safeguards by design (SBD) is vital to ensuring “safeguardability” of novel, small modular, and other advanced nuclear reactors and facility types, as well as maintaining safeguards effectiveness and efficiency for such facilities. The IAEA encourages SBD among facility designers and vendors, but it is not a requirement the IAEA can enforce and instead the onus is on industry to deliver it....
Finnish LDR-50 is an SMR concept designed for district heating production. This paper examines the important integration of Safeguards by Design (SBD) principles within the development and deployment of LDR-50 design to ensure effective and cost-efficient implementation of nuclear safeguards. SBD process and relevant considerations related to 3S interfaces will be discussed.
The concept of...
Safeguards are a set of technical measures applied by the IAEA on nuclear material and activities, through which the IAEA seeks to independently verify that nuclear facilities are not misused, and nuclear material not diverted from peaceful uses. States accept these measures through the conclusion of safeguards agreements with the IAEA, applicable for most States to all nuclear source or...
Small Modular Reactors (SMR) gained a lot of interest in the Polish industry with their potential to provide a baseload carbon-free source of electricity and other commodities like process heat. Poland has a few nuclear facilities, including a research reactor (MARIA) and a licensing framework with the regulatory body, the National Atomic Energy Agency (Państwowa Agencja Atomistyki - PAA)....
Nuclear reactors have a longstanding history of safe operation at sea, with approximately 12,000 reactor years of experience, underscoring their exceptionally high safety standards. This track record suggests that Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) are capable of conforming to current international safety and environmental codes and requirements. Nonetheless, the unique challenges and...
The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) is a co-operative international endeavour that was set up to facilitate the research and development (R&D) needed to establish the feasibility and performance of the next generation (Gen-IV) nuclear energy systems, establishing their performance goals and exploring technical feasibilities and designs, with the objective of making them available for...
The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company is tasked with the construction and operation of geological repositories for spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste from the existing fleet of Sweden’s nuclear power reactors. In the Swedish government’s roadmap for a nuclear new-build program, both large-scale and small modular reactors are envisioned. Amongst many other aspects, the...
Indonesia is committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060, and one of its strategies involves the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP). In collaboration with the United States, Indonesia plans to commence the construction of a 462 MW facility in 2023. This facility will utilize NuScale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, representing a significant step towards advancing the...
Current small modular reactor (SMR) deployment use cases consider both rural and urban deployments depending on the operational need and in-country needs for clean and reliable sources of energy. Many studies have been conducted analyzing security in more rural and remote deployment locations, but this study looks at the physical security implications of an SMR placed in an urban environment...
In view of increasing global energy demands and the dreadful environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption, there is a renewed focus on nuclear energy as an alternative source of clean energy. While the traditional nuclear power plants are here to stay at least for the foreseeable future, the new nuclear renaissance is paving the way for smarter, cheaper, and innovative methods for achieving...
Security by design is of paramount importance for all nuclear facilities, but even more so for SMRs. In fact, preliminary studies show that nuclear security could be one of the main operating costs of SMRs.
Security by design offers a unique opportunity to design reactors that are more cost-effective and competitive.
This paper will explain, based on the French experience, why nuclear...
The nuclear industry is currently anticipating the start of a transition within this decade from a technologically narrow set of gigawatt-scale reactors to a much more diverse array of technologies, including many evolutionary and innovative reactor designs. Both the security lessons of the past and today’s latest international guidance are being applied to this suite of novel technologies...
The Joint Research Centre (JRC), as the European Commission's science and knowledge service, plays a pivotal role in integrating scientific research with practical regulation through the Putting Science Into Standards (PSIS) initiative. In partnership with CEN-CENELEC, the JRC leverages its pre-normative research capabilities to forecast and address the standardization needs of emerging...
Maritime Small Modular Reactor (SMR) products, such as Nuclear Propulsion Ships (NPS) and Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPP) have been emerging as a game changer in the shipbuilding and offshore industry. Success of the maritime SMR development highly relies on the shielding systems, which are to be designed to accommodate constraints for maritime applications. In the development the land...
The surging penetration of variable renewable energy sources into power grids translates into an urgent need for dispatchable generators such as nuclear power plants to effectively balance grid demand. However, nuclear reactors have been traditionally operated as baseload power sources, leveraging the technical and economic advantages of this operational mode. This paper explores the...
Nuclear power plants (NPPs) with advanced reactor technologies, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) are planned to be built in various countries worldwide. Due to the much lower power output of these reactor types in comparison to operating NPP units, the plants with SMRs are intended to be realized by multiple modules of the same type at a given site. Based on the type of the...
In recent years, small modular reactors (SMRs) based novel technologies had emerged and become a center of attention in terms of a cost effective and flexible energy solution, owing to their enhanced passive safety features, modularity in design, factory fabrication and modern reactor concepts etc.
Currently, traditional PWR based nuclear power plants (NPPs) are being operated and regulated...
The evolving energy landscape requires a shift in the operational paradigm of nuclear power plants, traditionally employed as electric power generators, to meet the increasing need for grid flexibility and leverage dispatchable and low-carbon thermal power to decarbonise hard-to-abate processes.
These requirements can be met by extracting steam from the power conversion cycle to drive...
The energy demand increase challenges operators to deal with multiple aspects, such as reliability, energy prices, power losses, and diversification of energy resources. In 2023, the Brazilian generation capacity rose 10,3 GW to achieve close to 200 GW of power generation under operation, and this behavior will continue. Currently under construction, Angra 3 nuclear power plant will be the...
One of the most important factors in creating enthusiasm in oil-rich countries for the use of SMRs is to find possible applications of these reactors in the oil industry. Refinery industries are very energy-intensive and, in some cases, require a power plant of up to tens of megawatts. On the other hand, in the areas where these refineries exist, environmental pollution is very high, and the...
Nuclear liability is a special regime that was adopted to ensure an adequate compensation of potential victims having suffered nuclear damage caused by a nuclear incident.
It should also be considered when developing an SMR project to decarbonize industrial activities, as it will have an impact on the financial scheme, risk allocation and structure of the project.
Among the provisions...
Small modular reactors (SMRs) with revolutionary features offer advantages in terms of design, operational and safety characteristics. Apart from the thrust on the inherent, active and passive safety enhancement, innovative SMR designs are evolved keeping in view economy, deployment and public acceptance. Increased surface area-to-volume (A/V) ratio is the most notable design characteristic...
Defined as nuclear reactors with a power output up to 300 megawatts electrical (MWe) by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and targeted for multipurpose applications, small modular reactors (SMRs) have been recognized as a very promising, clean, affordable, and sustainable energy source by many countries. At present, more than 80 SMRs are under design, development, demonstration,...
To realize the full potential of SMR technology towards a long-term, global future based on clean energy, the nuclear industry has to successfully surmount a number of key challenges. While the new generation of nuclear technology, in the form of numerous SMR options, holds tremendous promise, the successful commercialization of these new reactors has to address several critical elements. ...
The State Program of the Russian Federation “Development of the Nuclear Energy Industrial Complex” considers implementation of a pilot industry project “Construction of a low-power nuclear power plant based on the RITM-200N reactor”.
In 2022, the Russian Regulatory authority Rostechnadzor received
an application for siting license for unit No. 1 of the Yakutsk low-power nuclear power...
Brazil is an extremely important country regarding climate change, both because it is one of the biggest GHG emitters in the world and because it has the means to mitigate these emissions. Brazil has considerable emissions in the energy sector, and power plants that burn either coal or natural gas are increasingly being used to meet energy demand in periods of drought to make up for...
localization and industry nationalization policy has been adopted few years ago in which the localization percentage has been set to be at a minimum of 20% of project budget.
A comprehensive survey of the national industry and other possible suppliers for Jordan NPP has been conducted based on two nuclear power reactors of 1000MWe each. Currently, and due to market demand dynamics, the...
V. Troyanov, Iu. Kuzina , A. Gulevich, V. Usanov, A. Verbitsky
JSC State Scientific Centre of the Russian Federation, Obninsk, Russia
The vision on the development and deployment of SMRs is presented in the paper. The first SMRs were built in Russia in 1954 -1989. After this stage, SMRs of various types were designed but not built until early 2000s. New driving forces for the penetration...
Light water SMRs cooled by natural circulation have intrinsic safety features that make them particularly interesting. The stability of these reactors, in which coupled neutronic, thermal and hydraulic phenomena coexist, has been satisfactorily studied for certain designs with different methods under normal and accidental conditions or after a scram.
This work addresses the study of...
Kuwait endeavors to reduce its reliance on oil in alignment with the Kuwait National Development Plan, diverting investments towards non-oil sectors. Concurrently, the nation is committed to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the nuclear energy chain as a highly dependable and low-emission power source per unit, Kuwait deems it imperative to incorporate various low-carbon energy...
Afrikantov OKBM JSC is a leading designer of marine reactors and has many years of experience in developing and operating marine reactors that successfully operate on in-service nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Basing on the Russian nuclear shipbuilding experience a reactor plant with the maximum compact, maneuverable, highly reliable and safe at the level of the modern nuclear energy...
Mongolia has a lot of potential for renewable energy. Addressing national energy security, the Mongolia’s Long-term Development Policy, Vision-2050, aims to become self-sufficient in energy production and addresses nuclear energy topics. In order to support economic growth, effectively implement this policy, eliminating a pressure on its electricity system and to introduce a number of new...
For nuclear power to remain an attractive option in the next decades, the cost of electricity must remain competitive with alternative sources, whereas investors and public acceptance have been eroded by new build projects costs overrun. Lots of reports have been published on means to stop the construction costs escalation that was observed for large reactors in the Western countries...
Indonesia, with its nearly 270 million inhabitants and an annual growth rate of 1% to 1.5%, faces significant challenges in meeting its rising energy demands, particularly in densely populated areas like Java and major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. BAPPENAS outlined in the RPJMN that Indonesia aimed to have operational nuclear power plants by 2019. Consequently, BATAN has led...
Strengthening Regulatory Infrastructures to Establish Iraqi Nuclear Power Plant Programme and Deployment of Small Modular Reactor (SMRs)
Dr. Sabah Hasan Shindakh NOORULDEEN AL-HUSSAINI,
Director General
Radiation Protection Centre (RPC), Iraqi National Regulatory Authority
Abstract:
The total electrical energy installed in Iraq is about 34 GW, including investment stations for the...
The application of nuclear energy is becoming more prevalent, especially to produce clean electricity. While conventional nuclear reactors offer large-scale power generation, their construction is time-consuming and expensive. Small modular reactors (SMRs), with capacities up to 300 megawatts (MW), present an alternative for providing energy in remote areas and aligning with the National...
Abstract: The unity,balance of nuclear power safety and economy are the two core issues throughout the application and development of nuclear energy.The project cost, safety and quality, and engineering progress are the core concerns of the construction and application of SMR. This paper takes the ‘Linglong-1’ first reactor demonstration project (Hainan Changjiang multi-purpose SMR technology...
Nuclear security measures are required for nuclear power plants to prevent radiological sabotage and unauthorized removal of nuclear materials. For this purpose, prevention, detection, delay, and response security measures for physical protection and cyber security are performed, and related systems are installed.
As these security measures and systems are related to the plant design and can...
Abstract: In the context of the construction of the world's first reactor, the maintenance preparation of ‘Linglong-1’ needs to be completed in a shorter period of time under the premise of guaranteeing the reliability, foresight and effectiveness of maintenance, and needs a kind of maintenance ideology that takes into account the safety, efficiency and adaptability, so as to make the...
Abstract: One of the advantages of SMR is the number of operating personnel, which is significantly reduced compared with a conventional pressurised water reactor, which is important for reducing operating costs and improving economics. However, as the world's first reactor‘Linglong-1’faces many uncertainties and challenges. How to reduce the number of personnel on duty in the main control...
Energy is considered a key factor in the national development of Thailand. The new National Energy Development Plan, PDP 2023/2024 is being reviewed for approval by the Parliament. Small Modular Reactors (SMR) may be included in this plan. Thailand has joined the Paris Agreement to prevent climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. The...
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are being considered as a potential solution that can help Vietnam reach decarbonization by 2050. However, most SMRs are still in the design or licensing stage, leading to challenges to assess their sustainability. According to the INPRO methodology, comprehensive sustainability assessment of SMRs is necessary, particularly if an embarking country plans to build...
The SVBR-100 reactor facility with a fast neutron reactor, an integral layout of the primary circuit and a lead-bismuth coolant in the primary circuit is being developed as one of the main components of serial NPPs of modular design with an average power from 100 to 600 MW (e).
The main design provisions of the SVBR-100 reactor facility,presented in the paper,are aimed at simplifying the...
The Indian Youth Nuclear Society presents Swayamchalit Utkrantik Kendrak-Micro (SUK-M), India's pioneering micro-reactor leveraging molten salt technology. With a power capacity of 10 MW (electric) or 30 MW (thermal), SUK-M is poised to redefine India's energy landscape with its innovative design and inherent safety features. SUK-M embodies a paradigm shift in nuclear reactor safety,...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a promising advancement in nuclear technology, offering scalable and flexible energy solutions. This paper discusses the crucial link between small modular reactors and security by design, emphasizing the need to integrate security considerations into the development framework of these innovative nuclear systems. SMRs, characterized by their compact size...
There is a lot of research on SMRs, from technological developments to their environmental impact. The aim of this presentation is to identify and synthesise, in a systematic review, relevant literature from key international sources from around the world, from the last 10 years (2013-2024).
My research focuses on the dangers associated with small modular nuclear power plants. In addition...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are defined by the IAEA as nuclear reactors with a power capacity up to 300 MW(e). More than 80 SMRs designs have been proposed by different vendors and the IAEA Advanced Reactors Information System (ARIS) database contains information about 49 SMRs designs.
Starting from the ARIS database, we conducted a systematic proliferation resistance analysis of a set of...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have emerged as a promising alternative for decarbonization, with significant advantages in terms of flexibility, safety and cost. Their success depends on technical feasibility, an adequate regulatory framework and public acceptance. Based on a comprehensive systematic literature review, the aim of this study is to analyze public perception and acceptance of...
Abstract: The world's first "Linglong-1" reactor, as a SMR, has operational characteristics that are different from those of conventional large pressurised water reactors (PWRs). As the department responsible for the production and operation of SMR, it is facing new and unknown challenges. In order to reduce the construction period, make adequate preparations, and improve the safety and...
he accelerating energy transition requires rapid access to decarbonized sources. Although Gen IV SMRs present a potential solution, they face challenges such as complex licensing processes and architectural issues, as they must align with diverse global regulations and adapt to varied site-specific requirements, complicating standardization and deployment.
In the face of these challenges,...
In the face of escalating global water scarcity, integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with desalination emerges as a promising solution. This study assesses the feasibility and economic viability of SMRs for cogeneration with desalination, focusing on Türkiye.
SMRs, compact nuclear reactors, offer a unique opportunity to generate electricity and produce clean water through...
Energy production in Estonia has heavily relied on fossil fuels, namely 70% of electricity generation in 2019 was powered by oil shale. Estonia has committed to contribute to joint EU greenhouse gas reduction targets. Estonia’s Ministry of Climate, in order to ensure preparedness and resilience to react to the impact of climate change, has set a target to reduce Estonian greenhouse gas...
This is a test.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through it’s forward-looking International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) assists Member States (MSs) in formulating comprehensive long-term strategies for implementation of sustainable nuclear energy. INPRO has several activities related to the deployment of transportable small modular reactors (SMRs). The first...
The ARCHEOS SMR is under development in the CEA. Currently under conceptual design phase, the ARCHEOS objective is to decarbonize the heat market in Europe for low temperature applications such as food industry, pulp and paper and chemistry. In 2024, a new structure regrouping industrial partners will host the ARCHEOS development.
ARCHEOS is a Light-Water Reactor powering 50MW of heat to...
One of the biggest challenges of this century will be to adapt the energy production to the country's needs. This production must harmonize low cost, reduced environmental footprint and low greenhouse effect gases release. An interesting concept is the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) which provides passive safety, low cost of operation and installation and long cycles with duration that can reach...
The principle of channelling liability serves as a cornerstone of the regime for nuclear damage liability. Conventions offer limited exceptions for operators to escape liability. However, despite leveraging established technologies, SMRs present a unique scenario with first-of-a-kind commercial deployment. The question arises as to whether the aforementioned circumstances warrant an...
NTS is the leading global provider of safe, secure and reliable nuclear transport and logistics solutions that help make the world safer and more sustainable. We support the global nuclear market by providing standalone or end-to-end solutions to nuclear transport and logistics challenges.
NTS have been successful in receiving funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero...
The innovative SMR Development agency and related companies such KHNP, KAERI, KEPCO ENC, KNF are developing innovative-SMR (iSMR) since 2019. iSMR is integrated module type PWR. All the RCS components are encapsulted into small steel containment. One reactor module produces 170MWe, and one standard plant is composed of 4 reactor modules, so one standard plant produces 680MWe. There are no...
Since 1991, the European Utility Requirements (EUR) Association has been developing and promoting harmonized technical specifications for the new mid- and large-size LWR designs to be proposed by the vendors in Europe. In 2024, it is composed of 13 companies involved in new nuclear projects or in electricity generation from nuclear power in Europe. One objective of the Association is to keep...
The Fast Modular Reactor (FMR) is a 100 MWt (44 MWe) Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) being developed by General Atomics Electromagnetic System (GA-EMS). The goal is to develop a safe, flexible, economic, and dispatchable power source to the US and international electricity market by the mid-2030s. The technologies selected for the FMR to achieve these goals include: fast neutron spectrum that...
Today, the oil and gas sector is by far the main driver in the Norwegian economy but also a main contributor to Norway’s CO2 emissions. To achieve the national goal of (close to) net zero emissions by 2050, it is of paramount importance to the Norwegian economy to identify and extract synergies from the oil and gas sector in the transition to competitive clean energy systems of the future. In...
ABSTRACT
This paper provides an overview of the existing and new cybersecurity standards for I&C and Electrical Systems tailored for nuclear power plants, including SMRs, around the world.
The IEC 62645 is a standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on the issue of requirements for computer security programs and system development processes to prevent...
The International Atomic Energy Agency conducted an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission for Nigeria in June 2015. The Member State requests an INIR mission. The INIR mission is conducted by a team of experts to peer review, using a transparent evaluation methodology, a member State's nuclear power infrastructure development status. The INIR mission evaluated the IAEA's 19...
What is the meaning of risk as it applies to the design of advanced reactors in the disciplines of safety, security, and safeguards? How can we find common terminology for the concept of risk and how can we find synergies between these disciplines? These are important questions that should be explored in order that they may be applied in an integrated manner for the most effective and...
Nuclear power is a reliable and stable source of energy in context of global reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Nuclear power may be used for desalination of sea water, production of low-carbon hydrogen, district heating and other industrial applications.
The development of nuclear hydrogen energy in Russia involves both large-scale production of hydrogen and related products using...
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the technical and economic performances of the AMR OTRERA developed in France and the development roadmap.
OTRERA is an innovative AMR (Advanced Modular Reactor) reactor that brings real breakthroughs compared to the competition, giving it a unique market positioning and higher than average profitability. Its unit capacity of 300 MWth enables it to...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) present a series of opportunities and challenges to support the energy mix, with each type needing to present a clear and logical legal, structural, financial and regulatory approach to facilitate their development and deployment. The SMR vendors all have a common path to tread in order to develop their technology and ultimately ensure that its compliant and...
Modernisation and expansion of district heating and cooling infrastructure is one of the most efficient measures to reduce consumption of fossil fuels in Europe.
Today, district heating (DH) systems use mostly fossil fuels, which account for 60% of total production. Other low-carbon options, such as biomass and geothermal energy, have limitations due to competing uses or local availability....
Regulatory reforms are underway, nationally and internationally, to streamline and harmonise nuclear safety regulation, to facilitate the deployment of SMRs. While some – both within and outside of the nuclear community – consider excessive and “fear-driven” safety regulation as the main obstacle to the commercialisation of SMRs, others in turn regard regulatory reform as secondary, blaming...
Nuclear safeguards and the Additional Protocol play a critical role in the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) in a country like Iraq, essentially acting as tools of assurance and transparency, not only to the international community but also to the domestic audience.
- Non-Proliferation Assurance: Safeguards are key to ensuring that SMRs aren't misused for nefarious purposes, by providing...
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are increasingly viewed as a promising solution to meet the rising energy needs in Africa. They offer cost-effective, financially feasible, and quicker completion options compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, SMRs hold the potential to address critical challenges such as fostering economic development and mitigating climate change. This study investigates...
The paper would explore the following facets:
Global Energy Security Context: Examining the concept of energy security and its critical importance in the current global energy landscape. This part would contextualize the role of SMRs within the broader framework of energy needs, sustainability, and geopolitical factors affecting energy policies.
Comparative Analysis of Deployment Strategies:...
One of the key conditions for the NPP safe operation is the availability of qualified personnel with appropriate specialized training and necessary certification and permissions, including those obtained from national regulatory authority. In order to provide facilities with operational personnel in a timely manner, the so-called advanced training is carried out at the construction phase,...
SMRs have the characteristics of small size, light weight, strong application flexibility, and low initial investment. They can be widely used in various scenarios such as power generation, heating, and seawater desalination, and are one of the important choices for achieving zero carbon energy.
China began the technological research and development of SMRs in the early 1980s, targeting the...
Authors: C. Vaglio-Gaudard et al.
The TANDEM project (2022-2025) is a European Commission initiative funded under the Euratom program. The main goals of TANDEM are to:
- Develop an integrated vision of energy systems through the implementation of Hybrid Energy Systems (HESs) incorporating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to produce heat, electricity and hydrogen,
- Develop tools and...
There has been limited engagement between developers and potential end-users of SMR technologies in the Global South. To ensure the successful deployment and sustainable operation of these technologies, early engagement between reactor vendors and end-users is essential. NGOs like the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) are well positioned to provide a platform for...
Initial constructive development of new small modular pressurized water reactor VVER-I with natural convection in primary circuit has been started in 2022 in JSC «GIDROPRESS». The design of reactor is shown in [1]. VVER-I thermohydrodynamics calculation results which were made using one-dimensional code KORSAR/GP are presented within this work. Code KORSAR/GP [2] is widely used for NPP with...
A mathematical model has been developed to simulate the thermal-hydraulic performance for a near term deployable SMR of the integral pressurized water reactor (IPWR) design under normal operation. The energy equation and the heat conduction equation are solved analytically in order to predict the coolant, clad and fuel temperature distributions. The core active length is divided into axial...
Low pressure operation, and elimination of potential escalation by laws of physics, combined with large fuel flexibility, neutron spectrum flexibility, and convenient connection to reprocessing and subsequent fuel production, make molten salt technology the superior basis for next generation nuclear power reactors.
The key challenge of molten salt reactors relates to the structural...
An integrated approach to the implementation of safety, security and safeguards (3Ss) by design is an important concept for the new and advanced reactor designs, and it is essential for an SMR, at an early design stage, in order to optimize its size and performance.
SCK CEN is starting, together with partners, a SMR-LFR project, looking at constructing a demonstrator for the lead cooled...
As cities globally strive for sustainability, the concept of SMR Smart Net Zero City (SSNC) emerges as a pivotal solution. This paper explores the framework and strategies for establishing SSNC, focusing on leveraging Small Modular Reactor (SMR) as a foundational energy element.
By integrating versatility of SMR with advanced technologies like IoT and AI, SSNC can achieve efficient energy...
Abstract
The Safety, Security, and Safeguards Interfaces related to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) focuses on various aspects of SMR technologies. It addresses the implementation of safety, security, and safeguards by design for SMRs, highlighting potential challenges and synergies in considering these interfaces during the design stage. The abstract also discusses examples and practices of...
Abstracts:
The deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) holds significant promise for India's energy security and sustainability goals. However, the unique security challenges due to their modularity, potential deployment in urban locations, and evolving design characteristics pose unique security challenges. The existing prescriptive based regulatory requirements (nuclear security),...
A numerical study is conducted for a thermal-hydraulic performance analysis and secondary side screw-type tube inlet orifice design of a once-through steam generator (OTSG). Various tube-plugging conditions and power levels are considered, and the secondary coolant inlet temperature is adjusted to maintain a constant level of thermal power. Comprehensive numerical solutions are acquired to...
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nonproliferation and Arms Control collaborated with its partners in Canada to advance awareness and acceptance of safeguards for Advanced and Small Modular Reactors (A/SMRs). During cooperative technical exchanges, several U.S. based A/SMR developers and vendors participated in a Nuclear Facilities and Safeguards Experience (NFASE), where they learned...
Advanced and small modular reactor technologies have an immense potential to change power generation strategies worldwide. However, by utilizing advanced fuels and design elements, these same technologies present novel challenges for securing and safeguarding nuclear materials, requiring innovative solutions. Molten salt reactors (MSR) represent one of the most challenging reactor design...
With nuclear energy poised to play a more prominent role in global decarbonisation efforts, small modular reactor (SMR) innovators are seizing the opportunity that reduced use of fossil fuels implies. Currently, 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions are a direct consequence of fossil fuel combustion to produce heat for industrial processes, so companies like Blue Capsule, a spin-off...
Since 2019, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) have been collaboratively performing safety reviews of advanced reactor and small modular reactor designs that are expected to be deployed in both countries. This collaborative effort aims to gain efficiencies by making joint observations or identifying and addressing where differing...
There are 437 operable nuclear reactors (November 2022) for electricity generation across 32 countries around the world, according to the World Nuclear Association, with 60 further nuclear reactors being constructed in 18 countries. The International Energy Agency and the Nuclear Energy Agency say nuclear will have such a significant role to play in climate strategy that nuclear power...
There is a growing interest in the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for supply the electricity to the rare areas or through the use of process heat from the reactor for industrial processes, which can significantly help to reduce toxic emissions in the environment and contribute to Net Zero by 2050. Heat is used in industry in a variety of applications which can be grouped into several...
Many Small Modular Reactor (SMR) designs rely on innovative safety features, which may differ from those of currently operating in conventional nuclear power plants. Access to simulation models of such nuclear units allows interested parties to build expertise prior to licensing processes. Two SMR datasets, E-SMR and LDR lite, have been recently published, and this paper presents examples of...
In 2020, direct Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from the petrochemical sector amounted to 1.8 Gt carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) which is equivalent to 4% of global GHG emissions. The value is forecast to reach up to 2.8 Gt CO2eq by 2030, if no action taken. A solution to diminish carbon emission by petrochemical plants could be utilization of SMRs to provide the utility demands of the...
This paper is to introduce WANO services to support safe and successful deployment of new nuclear units of its member utilities. Since 2015, WANO and its members interacted to ensure safe and reliable deployment of various new nuclear power plants. Majority of new nuclear being large size, new technology reactors include the High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor – Pebble Bed at Shidao Bay, the...
To mitigate global climate challenges, using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) has an interest in Ukraine to replace coal-fired generation. Ukrainian NAEC "Energoatom" is considering deploying a series of SMRs with localisation of reactor installation and components manufacturing in Ukraine. The signed agreements for cooperation in concluding contracts, licensing, and constructing up to 20 LWR...
Reducing greenhouse emissions while expanding energy access for economic development is an energy sector challenge requiring electrical power generation without fossil fuels. The nuclear industry’s contribution can be enormous if the cost of new nuclear plants can be minimized. However, novel technologies introduce inherent financial, technical, and licensing challenges. System developers must...
The marine industry consumes about 300 million tonnes Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) annually (Jacoby 2022), emitting 3% of total global climate gas emissions (King 2022). Worse, the emissions are expected to grow to more than 10%. Then, add local- and regional shipping using marine diesel oil.
Currently, green ammonia is the focal point as a possible alternative to HFO to decarbonize shipping (King...
NAAREA (Nuclear Abundant Affordable Resourceful Energy for All) is a French company developing a new energy solution : the XAMR® (eXtrasmall Advanced Modular Reactor), a mass-produced molten salt fast neutron microreactor. NAAREA's XAMR® will be capable of generating electricity and/or heat from long-lived spent fuel produced by current conventional reactors.
This paper aims to present how...
