Fix the Planet Newsletter: Can small Nuclear Power Go Big?
The prospect of turning to nuclear power for help as climate change accelerates has become increasingly appealing in recent years. Nuclear power plants can provide zero-emission energy production, helping to fight the greenhouse gases that are primarily responsible for climate change. As such, the concept of small nuclear power systems has become increasingly popular, as an avenue for local and sustainable power production. This makes small nuclear power a promising source of clean energy, but is it feasible on a larger scale? This article will take a look at the advantages of small nuclear power and comparative costs of small nuclear systems compared to larger plants.
What is Small Nuclear Power?
Small nuclear power systems are replaceable power plants that are smaller and faster to construct than traditional nuclear plants. These nuclear power systems are often modular, meaning that several parts can combined to form a single system. Small reactors, such as the NuScale Power Module, are compact, modular units that can be shipped entire and quickly set up at the desired power site. This allows for a maximum of 12 modules to be combined and connected to form a single plant.
Advantages of Small Nuclear Power
Small-scale nuclear power systems have several advantages over traditional nuclear power plants. Here are just a few of them:
• Faster to install: Small nuclear power systems can be built faster than traditional plants since they are composed of multiple, smaller parts.
• Safe and secure: Small nuclear power modules can be designed with advanced safety features and are capable of shutting down in the event of an emergency or malfunction.
• Flexible: Since the modules can be customized to a variety of needs, small nuclear power systems can be tailored to individual energy needs.
• Cost-effective: Small nuclear power systems are typically less expensive to construct and operate than larger, traditional plants.
Comparative Costs of Small Nuclear Systems
Small nuclear power systems can be remarkably cost-effective compared to larger plants. For instance, a typical NuScale Power Module plant, composed of 12 modules, is estimated to cost around $3 billion. By comparison, a traditional 1,000 MW plant will cost an estimated $8 billion. A 20-module plant estimates to make up around $6 billion in total investment, while a 300-500 MW plant will cost around $14 billion.
Small nuclear power systems have advantages over traditional nuclear plants, such as cost, safety, and flexibility. As such, small nuclear power can be a valuable part of a comprehensive effort to fight climate change and move towards a greener energy future. The comparative costs of small nuclear systems bring the investment barrier to a much lower level than traditional plants, making them a viable option for producing power on a local scale.
