Search Results (79)

Nuclear energy can help stop climate change by generating large amounts of emission-free electricity. Nuclear reactor designs are continually being developed to be more fuel efficient, safer, easier to construct, and to produce less nuclear waste. The term advanced nuclear reactors refers either to Generation III+ and Generation IV or small modular reactors. Every reactor is associated with the nuclear fuel cycle that must be economically viable and competitive. An important matter is optimization of fissile materials used in reactor and/or reprocessing of spent fuel and reuse. Currently operating reactors use the open cycle or partially closed cycle. Generation IV reactors are intended to play a significant role in reaching a fully closed cycle. At the same time, we can observe the growing interest in development of small modular reactors worldwide. SMRs can adopt either fuel cycle; they can be flexible depending on their design and fuel type. Spent nuclear fuel management should be an integral part of the development of new reactors. The proper management methods of the radioactive waste and spent fuel should be considered at an early stage of construction. The aim of this paper is to highlight the challenges related to reprocessing of new forms of nuclear fuel. Full article

The global transition to clean energy necessitates integrated solutions that ensure both environmental sustainability and energy security. This paper proposes a scenario-based modeling framework for urban hybrid energy systems combining small modular reactors (SMRs), photovoltaic (PV) generation, and battery storage within a smart grid architecture. SMRs offer compact, low-carbon, and reliable baseload power suitable for urban environments, while PV and storage enhance system flexibility and renewable integration. Six energy mix scenarios are evaluated using a lifecycle-based cost model that incorporates both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and cumulative carbon costs over a 25-year horizon. The modeling results demonstrate that hybrid SMR–renewable systems—particularly those with high nuclear shares—can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by over 90%, while maintaining long-term economic viability under carbon pricing assumptions. Scenario C, which combines 50% SMR, 40% PV, and 10% battery, emerges as a balanced configuration offering deep decarbonization with moderate investment levels. The proposed framework highlights key trade-offs between emissions and capital cost and seeking resilient and scalable pathways to support the global clean energy transition and net-zero commitments. Full article

This paper presents a techno-economic assessment of liquid hydrogen produced from small modular reactors (SMRs) for maritime applications. Pink hydrogen is examined as a carbon-free alternative to conventional marine fuels, leveraging the zero-emission profile and dispatchable nature of nuclear energy. Using Greece as a case study, the analysis includes both production and transportation costs, along with a sensitivity analysis on key parameters influencing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH), such as SMR and electrolyzer CAPEX, uranium cost, and SMR operational lifetime. Results show that with an SMR CAPEX of 10,000 EUR/kW, the LCOH reaches 6.64 EUR/kg, which is too high to compete with diesel under current market conditions. Economic viability is achieved only if carbon costs rise to 0.387 EUR/kg and diesel prices exceed 0.70 EUR/L. Under these conditions, a manageable deployment of fewer than 1000 units (equivalent to 77 GW) is sufficient to achieve economies of mass production. Conversely, lower carbon and fuel prices require over 10,000 units (770 GW), rendering their establishment impractical. Full article

Small modular reactors are progressing towards greater levels of automation and intelligence, with intelligent control emerging as a pivotal trend in SMR development. When contrasted with traditional commercial nuclear power plants, SMR display substantial disparities in design parameters and the designs of safety auxiliary systems. As a result, fault diagnosis systems tailored for commercial nuclear power plants are ill-equipped for SMRs. This study utilizes the PCTRAN-SMR V1.0 software to develop an intelligent fault diagnosis system for the SMART small modular reactor based on an attention mechanism. By comparing different network models, it is demonstrated that the CNN–LSTM–Attention model with an attention mechanism significantly outperforms CNN, LSTM, and CNN–LSTM models, achieving up to a 7% improvement in prediction accuracy. These results clearly indicate that incorporating an attention mechanism can effectively enhance the performance of deep learning models in nuclear power plant fault diagnosis. Full article

This research explores Dynamic Probabilistic Risk Assessment (DPRA) using EMRALD to evaluate the reliability and safety of passive safety systems in nuclear reactors, with a focus on mitigating Loss of Coolant Accidents (LOCAs). The BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is used as an example to illustrate the proposed DPRA methodology, which is broadly applicable for enhancing traditional Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA). Unlike static PSA, DPRA incorporates time-dependent interactions and system dynamics, allowing for a more realistic assessment of accident progression. EMRALD enables the modelling of system failures and interactions in real time using dynamic event trees and Monte Carlo simulations. This study identifies critical vulnerabilities in passive safety systems and quantifies the Core Damage Frequency (CDF) under LOCA scenarios. The findings demonstrate the advantages of DPRA over traditional PSA in capturing complex failure mechanisms and providing a more comprehensive and accurate risk assessment. The insights gained from this research contribute to improving passive safety system designs and enhancing nuclear reactor safety strategies for next-generation reactors. Full article

(1) Background: Generation IV supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWRs), including small modular reactor (SCW-SMR) variants, are pivotal in nuclear technology. Operating at 300–500 °C and 25 MPa, these reactors require detailed understanding of radiation chemistry and transient species to optimize water chemistry, reduce corrosion, and enhance safety. Boron, widely used as a neutron absorber, plays a significant role in reactor performance and safety. This study focuses on the yields of radiolytic species in subcritical and supercritical water exposed to ⁴He and ⁷Li recoil ions from the ¹⁰B(n,α)⁷Li fission reaction in SCWR/SCW-SMR environments. (2) Methods: We use Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations to calculate yields (G values) of primary radicals (e⁻_aq, H^•, and ^•OH) and molecular species (H₂ and H₂O₂) from water radiolysis by α-particles and Li³⁺ recoils across 1 picosecond to 0.1 millisecond timescales. (3) Results: Simulations show substantially lower radical yields, notably e⁻_aq and ^•OH, alongside higher molecular product yields compared to low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, underscoring the high-LET nature of ¹⁰B(n,α)⁷Li recoil nuclei. Key changes include elevated G(^•OH) and G(H₂), and a decrease in G(H^•), primarily driven during the homogeneous chemical stage of radiolysis by the reaction H^• + H₂O → ^•OH + H₂. This reaction significantly contributes to H₂ production, potentially reducing the need for added hydrogen in coolant water to mitigate oxidizing species. In supercritical conditions, low G(H₂O₂) suggests that H₂O₂ is unlikely to be a major contributor to material oxidation. (4) Conclusions: The ¹⁰B(n,α)⁷Li reaction’s yield estimates could significantly impact coolant chemistry strategies in SCWRs and SCW-SMRs. Understanding radiolytic behavior in these conditions aids in refining reactor models and coolant chemistry to minimize corrosion and radiolytic damage. Future experiments are needed to validate these predictions. Full article

As is well known, due to carbon dioxide emissions, the combustion of lignite in power plants creates environmental pollution. In contrast, nuclear fuels do not produce carbon dioxide emissions. This paper investigates the effects of replacing lignite thermal power plants with small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) of equivalent rated power and related characteristics. In terms of the emissions criterion, nuclear fuels belong to the same category of clean sources as the sun and wind. A second criterion is the economic one and concerns the operating cost of the nuclear–thermal power plant. Based on the economic criterion, although nuclear reactors require a higher initial invested capital, they have lower fuel costs and lower operating costs than lignite plants, which is important due to their long service life. A third criterion is the effect of the operation mode of an SMR, constant or variable, on the cost of energy production. In terms of the operation mode criterion, two cycles were investigated: the production of a constant amount of energy and the production of a variable amount of energy related to fluctuations in the electric load demand or the operation load-following. Using multi-criteria managerial scenarios, the results of the research demonstrate that the final mean minimal cost of energy generated by hybrid thermal units with small nuclear reactors in constant power output operation is lower than the mean minimal cost of the energy generated in the load-following mode by 2.45%. At the same time, the carbon dioxide emissions in the constant power output operation are lower than those produced in the load-following mode by 2.14%. In conclusion, the constant power output operation of an SMR is more sustainable compared to the load-following operation and also is more sustainable compared to generation by lignite thermal power plants. Full article

To achieve the decarbonisation goal by 2050, nuclear energy can be a useful element for the future energy mix, complementing intermittent renewable sources. Additionally, heat from the core can be used for cogeneration, aiding the decarbonisation of several energy sectors. In this context, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are being studied when introduced in Nuclear–Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems for cogeneration applications. However, nuclear cogeneration with SMRs is still an emerging area of study, requiring careful considerations regarding technical, safety, and economic aspects. European research initiatives, such as the TANDEM project, are exploring the integration of light–water SMRs into hybrid systems. This paper investigates the impact of cogeneration transients on the primary system of an SMR using a novel coupling approach. For this scope, the thermal–hydraulic system code CATHARE 3 and the dynamic modelling language MODELICA are adopted. Three transient scenarios were analysed: cogeneration transitions, core power variations, and thermal load rejection. The results achieved provide insights about the robustness of the numerical coupling and the primary system response to cogeneration-induced transients. As a matter of fact, the analysis shows that the reactor system is mildly influenced by cogeneration changes, and the findings suggest future improvements for both the coupling methodology and modelling assumptions. Full article

A comparison of the net present value, the payback period, and the levelized cost of electricity for three different projects of construction and exploitation of plants for electricity production with the aim of decarbonizing the energy sector is conducted. The first project is the building of a large-scale nuclear power plant with a light-water reactor, the second one is the deployment of several identical small modular reactors, and the third project is based on solar and wind power plants. Given that the sun and wind are intermittent renewable energy sources, it is inevitable to take into account the construction of an energy storage facility in the last project. The results show that the most profitable are the small modular reactors, while the investment into solar and wind power plants is burdened with the necessary electricity storage plant costs. Another drawback of an investment in solar and wind power plants is their shorter exploitation lifetime of 25 years compared to the long-term operation of nuclear power plants of 60 years or even more. Full article

Combining energy storage with base-load power sources offers an effective way to cover the fluctuation of renewable energy. This study proposes a nuclear–solar hybrid energy system (NSHES), which integrates a small modular thorium molten salt reactor (smTMSR), concentrating solar power (CSP), and thermal energy storage (TES). Two operation modes are designed and analyzed: constant nuclear power (mode 1) and adjusted nuclear power (mode 2). The nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is applied to minimize both the deficiency of power supply probability (DPSP) and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The decision variables used are the solar multiple (SM) of CSP and the theoretical storage duration (TSD) of TES. The criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) method and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) are utilized to derive the optimal compromise solution. The electricity curtailment probability (ECP) is calculated, and the results show that mode 2 has a lower ECP compared with mode 1. Furthermore, the configuration with an installed capacity of nuclear and CSP (100:100) has the lowest LCOE and ECP when the DPSP is satisfied with certain conditions. Optimizing the NSHES offers an effective approach to mitigating the mismatch between energy supply and demand. Full article

This study addresses the urgent need for transitioning to clean energy systems to achieve net-zero emissions and mitigate climate change. It introduces an algebraic modeling framework inspired by the nuclear fission six-factor formula to optimize the construction rates of clean power plants, with a focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The framework integrates four key factors affecting SMR deployment: Public Acceptance (PA), Supply Chain Readiness (SC), Human Resource (HR) Availability, and Land Availability (LA), including their associated sub-factors. The proposed algebraic formula optimizes projections from the existing Dynamic Integrated Climate-Economy (DICE) model. By capturing socio-economic and environmental constraints, the model enhances the accuracy of clean energy transition scenarios. In the case of Ontario’s pathway to achieving net-zero emissions, the results indicate that incorporating the algebraic formula reduces the SMR construction rate projected by the DICE model from 5.2 to 3.7 units per year by 2050 and from 2.7 to 1.9 units per year by 2100. This reduction highlights the need for accelerated readiness in key deployment factors to avoid delays in reaching net zero targets, reinforcing the importance of strategic investments in PA, SC, HR, and LA. Validation against historical nuclear deployment data from the U.S., Japan, and Canada confirms the model’s ability to reflect real-world trends, with PA and SC emerging as the most influential factors. In addition to informing SMR planning, this approach offers a structured tool for prioritizing policy actions and can be adapted to other clean technologies, enhancing strategic decision making in support of net-zero goals. Full article

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining significant attention as nuclear power sources due to their advantages, such as compact design, enhanced safety features compared to large nuclear plants, and scalability for varying power output needs. To successfully consider this emerging technology, understanding SMR designs and their readiness levels is essential for informed decision making and effective planning. This technical review provides insights into the potential, development, and application of SMR technology. Various SMR designs were investigated to identify those in deployment, commercial operation, or nearing deployment stages. Key technical parameters of advanced-stage SMRs, with some local insights, were analyzed to establish a comprehensive set of criteria for future technical and economic assessments in the context of local applications. Additionally, this study outlines potential phases for SMR project implementation in the Philippines, referencing the IAEA Milestone Approach for nuclear power infrastructure development. Relevant policies, issues, and activities are also discussed, highlighting the status of the country’s nuclear power infrastructure, as well as its legislative and regulatory framework for supporting nuclear energy. While certain SMR technologies show technical readiness, it is important to consider that many are still under development, requiring a careful evaluation of factors such as the 19 Infrastructure Issues to ensure a successful SMR deployment in the Philippines. Full article

The advent of small modular reactors (SMRs) represents a transformative leap in nuclear technology. With their smaller size, modular construction, and safety features, SMRs address challenges faced by traditional reactors. However, these technological advancements pose significant regulatory challenges that must be addressed to ensure their safe and effective integration into the energy grid. This paper presents robust regulatory strategies essential for the deployment of SMRs. We also perform economic and sensitivity analysis on a notional SMR project to assess its feasibility, profitability, and long-term viability, pinpointing areas for cost optimization and determining the project’s resilience to market trends and technological changes. Key findings highlight market demand as the most influential factor, with public acceptance, regulatory clarity, economic viability, and government support playing critical roles. The sensitivity analysis shows that SMRs could account for 3% to 9% of the energy market by 2050, with a base case of 4.5%, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. Technological maturity suggests current designs are viable, with future R&D focusing on market appeal and safety. By synthesizing these insights, the paper aims to guide regulatory authorities in facilitating informed decision-making, policy formulation, and the adoption of SMRs. Full article

Solar thermal energy is one of the most interesting sustainable solutions for decarbonizing the energy sector. Integrating solar collectors with other energy sources is common, as seen in domestic heating, where solar collectors are combined with common heaters to reduce fuel consumption (gasoline, electricity, gas, and biomass) and therefore, the energy cost. Similarly, this concept can be applied to nuclear energy, where the reduction in nuclear fuel consumption is very strategic for decreasing not only its cost but also the risk in handling, transportation, and storage (both the fuel and the nuclear waste as well). Nuclear energy, on the other hand, seems to be very useful in reducing the land occupation of concentrated solar power plants (CSPs) and helping a more constant production of electricity, both points being two important bottlenecks of CSP technologies. CSP and nuclear reactors, on the other hand, share common heating technologies and both can produce energy without CO₂ emissions. Solar and nuclear energy, especially with the advent of the fourth generation of small modular reactors (SMRs), present a compelling opportunity for sustainable electricity generation. In this work, we present a brief review of CSP technology, a brief review of SMR concepts and development, and a brief overview of the combination of these two technologies. The review shows that in general, combined SMR + CSP technologies offer several advantages in terms of a strong reduction in the solar field extension areas, improved dispatchability of energy, improved efficiency of the SMRs, and, in particular, lower nuclear fuel consumption (hence, e.g., with a lowered refueling frequency). Full article

Small nuclear power reactors have small core dimensions, frequent power changes, and more severe power distortion compared to nuclear power stations. However, their core has fewer measurement points, making it difficult to observe their core power distribution. High-precision physical calculation programs can accurately calculate the core power distribution, but the real-time performance of the calculation is poor, which is not conducive to online use. In this study, based on physical computing programs, the power distribution spectrum library of small nuclear power reactors under different operating conditions is calculated, and artificial intelligence algorithms are designed. A data-driven model for the proxy relationship between operating state parameters and core power distribution is trained and constructed to achieve rapid calculation and online support of core power distribution, which improves the level of online safety supervision of small power reactors. Numerical experiments show that this method has high accuracy and good robustness, and can meet the requirements of small nuclear power reactor operation safety support. This research is based on a data-driven proxy model and has achieved fast computation of power distribution in the fuel cores of small modular reactors. It addresses the issue of insufficient real-time performance of high-precision physical programs and has important significance for the safe operation of reactors. Full article