SMRs which is, to say the least, a very hot topic these days in the energy industry in the efforts to get more carbon-free generation.

I strongly believe in nuclear energy as a baseload to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals. SMRs give us a great opportunity to re-invigorate nuclear generation.

Based on my understanding of various SMRs, three or four technologies have sufficiently matured in design and licensing. Canada has already picked up a micropower reactor for remote applications, three grid-size candidates for further evaluation, and two other promising technologies for longer-term development.

Conversely, SMRs—like all new nuclear—certainly have their detractors. There are three major criticisms of the new nuclear:

• Used Fuel Management (UFM)
• Regulation
• Cost competitiveness

UFM must be addressed as a part of the successful new nuclear package. SMR developers should collaborate with the public authorities to address long-term used fuel storage during the design process.
Regulatory regimes must accommodate alternative licensing approaches efficiently. It’s a learning curve for first-of-a-kind and first-in-a-while products but worth the effort to establish SMR growth. The majority of SMRs are extremely safe by design. Work is needed to establish the degree of the projected safety margins, including reliability and integrity management programs.

Carbon pricing should be built into the business models to create a level playing field for the nuclear business. SMR developers need to be cost-conscious about the safety and socio-economic benefits. The time is ripe for new nuclear. The technologies ready with a competitive design in a carbon-conscious jurisdiction will make a head start.

Aside from SMRs, many great initiatives are happening within the nuclear generation. To name a few:

• Cost optimization within the existing design configuration without compromising on safety margins
• Risk-informed and performance-based decision-making for operation and maintenance, aging management, power-up rates, and life extension of the plants
• Automation and remote inspections to save on outage durations

Fusion Energy

Fusion energy is another enormous potential that I believe will take over as a major clean energy source in the next three to four decades. Hydrogen can be an excellent by-product of high-temperature reactors.

It’s important to create momentum in new nuclear by selecting technologies with a pedigree and good maturity level. Efforts should be made to fast-track the deployment while other promising clean energy technologies are being developed.

North America is quickly losing the opportunity and leadership to build new reactors. Work continues to make new nuclear a leaner, more agile source of energy that can better operate as baseload alongside renewables. We must put our heads down to create and implement carbon-neutral energy programs and policies. It’s prime time to generate clean energy to protect the environment.

 

This article was contributed by our expert Vinod Chugh
 

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Vinod Chugh  

Q1. Is nuclear fusion the future of energy?

Nuclear fusion can potentially be a significant energy source in the future, as it offers many advantages over current energy sources. Fusion reactions release vast amounts of energy, are highly efficient, and produce no greenhouse gases or other pollutants.

However, despite decades of research and development, nuclear fusion is not yet commercially viable on a large scale. Significant technical challenges must be overcome, such as achieving sustained fusion reactions at high enough temperatures and pressures to generate more energy than is consumed in the process.

While there has been progress in recent years, it is still unclear when commercial nuclear fusion power plants will become a reality. Nonetheless, many experts believe that fusion has great potential as a future energy source, and significant investments are being made worldwide to advance research and development in this field.

Q2. What fuel does SMR use?

SMR (Small Modular Reactors) use a variety of fuels depending on the design and type of reactor. Some SMRs use traditional fuels such as enriched uranium, while others use non-traditional fuels such as thorium, molten salts, or nuclear waste.

For example, the NuScale SMR design uses low-enriched uranium fuel, like the fuel used in traditional nuclear power plants, while the Terrestrial Energy Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) uses a mixture of uranium and thorium dissolved in a liquid fluoride salt. Other SMR designs, such as the HolosGen Gen4 Module, use nuclear waste as fuel, which reduces the amount of nuclear waste that needs to be stored and disposed off.

The choice of fuel for an SMR depends on several factors, including safety, cost, and the specific requirements of the reactor design. Ultimately, the goal is to develop SMRs that are safe, reliable, cost-effective, and that can contribute to a sustainable and secure energy future.

Q3. What technologies make nuclear energy safer?

Over the years, significant advances have been made in nuclear energy technology to make it safer. Here are some technologies that have contributed to enhancing nuclear safety:

Passive Safety Features

Modern nuclear power plants are designed with passive safety features that do not require human intervention or external power sources to function. These features include emergency core cooling systems that use natural circulation, passive cooling systems that rely on natural convection, and passive containment cooling systems that use natural air circulation.

Advanced Fuel Designs

New fuel designs can withstand higher temperatures and pressures and are less prone to failure, reducing the likelihood of fuel melting and the release of radioactive materials.

Enhanced Monitoring and Control Systems

Advanced sensors and control systems monitor plant conditions and quickly respond to abnormalities or failures.

Improved Reactor Design

Next-generation reactor designs incorporate inherent safety features, such as liquid fuel that expands during overheating, effectively slowing down the chain reaction and preventing damage to the reactor.

Nuclear Waste Management

Advances in nuclear waste management, including recycling and reprocessing technologies, reduce the volume and radioactivity of nuclear waste, making it safer to handle and store.

Overall, these technologies, combined with stringent regulations, comprehensive training programs, and rigorous safety protocols, have significantly enhanced the safety of nuclear energy. Nonetheless, the nuclear industry continues pursuing research and development to improve safety and address any remaining concerns.

Q4. What are the pros and cons of Fusion energy?

Fusion energy is a potentially game-changing technology that offers several advantages over traditional energy sources. However, there are also some significant challenges and potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the main pros and cons of fusion energy:

Pros

Nearly unlimited fuel supply

Fusion reactions use isotopes of hydrogen, which are abundant in seawater and can provide an almost limitless fuel supply.

High energy density

Fusion reactions release a tremendous amount of energy, which can be harnessed to produce electricity with high efficiency.

Clean energy

Fusion reactions do not produce greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants, making fusion energy a clean and environmentally friendly source.

Low Waste

Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, fusion reactors do not produce long-lived radioactive waste, reducing the environmental impact and risks associated with nuclear waste storage.

Cons

Technical challenges

Fusion reactions require extremely high temperatures and pressures to initiate and sustain, and developing the technology to create and control these conditions is a significant technical challenge.

Cost

Developing fusion technology is expensive and requires significant investment, and the cost of constructing and operating a fusion power plant is currently unknown.

Q5. What are the targets and initiatives taken by the global power generation industry for achieving clean energy?

The global power generation industry is taking several targets and initiatives to achieve clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Here are some examples:

Renewable Energy Targets

Many countries have set ambitious targets for increasing the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydropower, and geothermal. For example, the European Union has set a goal to achieve at least 32% renewable energy by 2030, while the United States has set a net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Carbon Pricing and Emissions Trading

Several countries have implemented carbon pricing policies, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Efficiency Programs

Many countries and companies are implementing energy efficiency programs to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These programs include building retrofits, energy-efficient appliances, and smart energy management systems.

Carbon Capture and Storage

Carbon capture and storage technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial processes and store them underground, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear Power

Nuclear power, although not a renewable energy source, is considered a low-carbon energy source and can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Research and Development

The power generation industry invests in research and development to advance clean energy technologies, such as advanced solar panels, energy storage, and next-generation nuclear reactors.

Overall, the power generation industry is taking various initiatives and targets to achieve clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the impacts of climate change.