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Next-Generation Fission and Fusion Reactors—Designs, Deployment, Regulation and Impacts

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Akira Tokuhiro

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Energy and Nuclear Engineering, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
Interests: nuclear reactor design and analyses; energy systems; methods development; dynamic modeling of complex socio-technico-economic phenomena (climate change, energy geopolitics, etc.); thermal fluid experimentation and simulations; engineering education; safety culture and social license
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ongoing debates and advocacy regarding the relevance of existing plants and new plant deployment worldwide are at geopolitical levels and are important within the context of climate change and sustainability. The current human development index cannot be maintained or improved without scaled global use of nuclear power. Yet, regulatory constraints and challenges associated with the social acceptance of nuclear power persist. Here, we seek papers as part of a worthy collection addressing numerous aspects of the “next-generation small (fission and fusion-based) reactor challenge”. This Special Issue assumes that timely and successful deployment is ultimately the goal. We are particularly interested in papers that are “data-driven” and consider both “hard and soft” topics in relation to small fission- and fusion-based reactor systems. This issue will feature results that emphasize innovation, the potential for “disruption”, and partial to fully data-driven aspects, including the following:

Design and analyses in support of deployment, regulation, and tangible impact;
Aspects of the application and utility of small reactors and interfaces with developments in mobility;
Aspects of the application and utility of small reactors and interfaces with other energy or industrial processes;
Aspects of investment, regulatory approval, siting, and deployment/construction;
Aspects of the role of nuclear energy in sustainability and impact on climate change.

Prof. Dr. Akira Tokuhiro
Guest Editor

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Keywords

nuclear energy
nuclear fission
nuclear fusion
nuclear reactors
new nuclear
new fission reactors
new fusion reactors
small modular reactors
micromodular reactor
advanced reactors
nuclear law
nuclear project management
climate change
carbon net zero
infrastructure construction
design and engineering

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Research

33 pages, 6559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Strategic Framework for Net-Zero Transitions: Integrating Fuzzy Logic and the DICE Model for Optimizing Ontario’s Energy Future

by Elaheh Shobeiri, Filippo Genco, Daniel Hoornweg and Akira Tokuhiro

Energies 2024, 17(24), 6445; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246445 - 20 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1093

Abstract

In response to the urgent threat of climate change and the drivers of high greenhouse gas emissions, countries worldwide are adopting policies to reduce their carbon emissions, with net-zero emissions targets. These targets vary by region, with Canada aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In response to the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO’s) “Pathways to Decarbonization” report, which evaluates a proposed moratorium on new natural gas generating stations, this study presents a methodology to support energy transitions in Ontario by using a modified Dynamic Integrated Climate-Economy (DICE) model, which focuses on replacing fossil fuel power plants (FFPPs) with clean energy sources, including nuclear, solar, wind, and hydro. This research expands on our prior work that used the DICE model to evaluate the potential for replacing FFPPs with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) on a global scale. This study includes solar, wind, hydro, and SMRs to provide a diversified clean energy portfolio and integrates fuzzy logic to optimize construction rates and address uncertainties. The study uses Ontario as a case study, aligning with IESO’s objectives for Ontario’s energy transition. The IESO’s projections for net zero by 2050 are applied. The study is extended to 2100 to assess the longer-term implications of sustained energy transition efforts beyond the immediate goals set by the IESO. This approach is scalable to other regions and countries with similar energy transition challenges. The study results indicate that to meet Ontario’s 2050 net-zero target, approximately 183 SMR units, 1527 solar units, 289 wind units, and 449 hydro units need to be constructed. For the 2100 target, the required number of units is slightly higher due to the longer time frame, reflecting a gradual ramp-up in construction. The optimization of construction rates using fuzzy logic shows that the pace of deployment is influenced by critical factors such as resource availability, policy support, and public acceptance. This underscores the need for accelerated clean energy deployment to meet long-term emissions reduction goals. The findings highlight the complexities of transitioning to a low-carbon energy system and the importance of addressing uncertainties in planning. Policymakers are urged to integrate these insights into strategic energy planning to ensure the successful deployment of clean energy technologies. This study provides valuable recommendations for optimizing energy transitions through a robust, flexible framework that accounts for both technological and socio-economic challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Fission and Fusion Reactors—Designs, Deployment, Regulation and Impacts)

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