The Power of Small Nuclear Reactors
Few technologies seem more futuristic in the renewable energy space than the idea of nuclear reactors being able to power industrial or remote sites. There has been much talk about the possibility of adapting nuclear energy to smaller-scale solutions. These products, referred to as Small Modular Reactors, have significant capabilities in the production of energy without the cost of an entire atomic power facility. SMRs can produce up to ⅓ of the power of a nuclear power reactor, and their size and assembly make them ideal for remote locations.
There are virtually limitless applications for small-scale nuclear reactors, including the decarbonization of carbon-intensive industries. An article by the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that sectors such as oil and gas, which currently require vast amounts of energy due to pumping and fracking, could utilize small reactors to decarbonize the process. This solution makes even more sense when the remoteness of the industries is considered, far from any point that could be realistically connected to the grid. These small-scale reactors could prevent the necessity of constantly staffed wind and solar facilities in very remote areas.
For areas not connected to a grid or where the cost to connect a power plant to the grid is too great, SMRs once again provide a solution. Areas even more limited by potential geographic hindrances or access to clean energy sources, microreactors, which generate up to 10 MW, could be a provide power. The first example that jumps to mind is mining, an energy-intensive sector that often works in very remote geographies. These microreactors could also serve as a backup generation for areas reliant on power generators using diesel. Lower fuel requirements, improved safety, and generally more straightforward systems are further benefits of SMRs, negating many of the pervasive fears of nuclear energy.
SMR start-ups have already played a significant role in commercialization. Companies such as Nano Nuclear, a US-based SMR company, are creating a range of reactors that are well-suited to different conditions. Nano Nuclear Energy has thus far made two viable microreactors that could be essential in decarbonizing carbon-heavy industries. The first is the Zeus Nanoreactor, a solid-core reactor that is designed for safe operation in remote areas. Designed to provide 10 years of full power, this is an ideal option for sites that do not have energy infrastructure and are too remote for constant oversight.
In contrast to the Zeus reactor, the Odin reactor will use conventional fuel. With the off-grid uses of SMRs, it is critical that they have long lifespans and few mechanical failures. The Odin utilizes low-pressure coolant to reduce mechanical stress and improve reliability.
In the long term, the possibility of microreactors powering space exploration and colonies is intriguing. I spent an enjoyable hour speaking about the different uses of SMRs with Nano Nuclear Energy CEO James Walker, who mentioned the possibility of using reactors to create a moon colony or long-distance space travel. In a more immediate context, SMRs could be used to negate intermittency concerns that stem from solar and wind power. Whether it is providing energy to off-grid areas, addressing intermittency concerns for renewable projects, or powering moon colonies, SMRs are an exciting advancement.
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