flexblue: an innovative response to global energy challenges

Transcription

1 flexblue: an innovative response to global energy challenges

2 2/3 PEOPLE without access to electricity (in millions, in both rural and urban areas) NEW POLICIES Scenario, International Energy Agency (IEA). World population (in millions) without access to electricity,, In,, In Rural Urban Energy for economic development Latin America Sub-Saharan Africa India China Other developing Asian countries Economic growth and climate change Energy supplies are key political, economic and ecological challenges for the 21 st century and for the planet s future. Today, more than ever, governments and industry face political and technological decisions that are crucial to the long-term needs of developed economies, the growth of developing countries and the demands of concerned citizens, who want positive policies to address the risks associated with climate change. Energy for the developing world The New Policies Scenario (1) outlined in the International Energy Agency s World Energy Outlook 2010 forecasts that global energy demand will grow by 36% between 2008 and 2035, with non-oecd countries expected to account for 93% of the increase. For developing regions, improved energy supplies are essential to economic expansion and to improving the well-being of their populations. (1) The IEA s World Energy Outlook 2010 presents three scenarios. The central New Policies Scenario, which takes account of existing policy commitments and plans announced by governments around the world, forecasts that global energy demand will increase by 36% between 2008 and The Current Policies Scenario, which assumes no policy changes, forecasts a 47% increase over the same period. Finally, the 450 Scenario, which sets out an energy pathway consistent with the 2 C goal (for average worldwide temperature growth) by limiting the concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases to around 450 ppm of CO2 equivalent, forecasts that global energy demand will increase by 22% between 2008 and Global energy consumption in 2008 Fossil fuels continue to dominate global energy production. Combined with efforts to combat climate change, higher prices should lead to progressively lower demand for energy from fossil fuels compared with that for energy from renewable and non-greenhouse gas-emitting power sources, including nuclear. Oil 33% Coal 27% Gas 21% Biomass/ waste 10% 6% Nuclear 2% Hydro Time to innovate Rising demand, higher fossil fuel prices, the massive investment required to develop new technologies and environmental challenges are all part of the equation. No single solution can meet the anticipated increase in global energy demand over the medium term. While economic and political decision-makers agree that energy sources must be diversified, the broader context dictates that it is also essential to explore all possible alternatives to fossil fuels and every technological option to make better use of those fossil fuels we do consume. + 36% Increase in global energy demand between 2008 and 2035 Other renewables 1%

3 4/5 Nuclear, vital to the mix 444 nuclear power plants are currently in operation in 29 countries (2) Global energy demand will only be met by developing the entire range of modes of production in parallel: fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas), renewables (hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, marine renewable energy, etc.) and nuclear, which already plays an essential role in the global energy mix. There are many good reasons for promoting nuclear energy (see below). The most obvious is the limited availability of other energy sources. Whether due to physical shortage or prices that compromise their economic viability, the time will come in the decades ahead when oil will no longer be able to meet planetary energy demand. And despite significant anticipated growth over the coming years, renewables like solar, wind, geothermal, marine energy and biomass will by no means cover all needs. Benefits Nuclear energy offers many benefits. In addition to being CO 2 emission-free and making a significant contribution to international targets to combat climate change, nuclear energy is particularly cost-competitive with other sources of energy. Closely monitored and controlled by governments and international agencies alike, the nuclear energy industry has grown sensibly and responsibly and is now thoroughly mature. Nuclear energy also benefits from the abundance of proven uranium ore reserves and continuing technological advances to further optimise their exploitation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that global installed nuclear generating capacity could increase from 375 GWe (1) in 2008 to over 800 GWe by 2030 (2). (1) Gigawatt electrical (2) Source: International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power Report, 9 September 2010, by the IAEA. concept: Unprecedented modularity > Expert s viewpoint Jean-Marie Chevalier, professor of economics, Paris-Dauphine university and director of the CGEMP centre for the geopolitics of energy and raw materials I believe that our energy supply challenges can be met by diversifying our modes of production and developing new technologies and industries. I also believe that smaller power plants have a role to play. Emerging economies are looking, first and foremost, for cheap energy to support their growth. The challenge for the nuclear industry is thus to be competitive, especially when compared with coal. But the volatility of fossil fuel prices makes forecasting difficult. The price of coal, for example, has risen recently whereas an early fall in the price of gas suggested the opposite. Given that fuel costs represent a much smaller proportion of the overall cost of nuclear energy, this mode of production at least has the advantage of offering better economic stability over the long term.

4 An innovative concept. Flexblue would be a small subsea nuclear power plant with an output rating of 50 to 250 MWe. The power plant would comprise a small nuclear reactor, a steam turbine-alternator set, an electrical plant and associated electrical equipment. Submarine power cables would carry electricity from the Flexblue plant to the coast. Flexblue plants would be designed to be moored on an extremely stable seafloor at a depth of 60 to 100 metres a few kilometres off shore. A system of ballast tanks would be used to raise or lower the plant during installation and for major maintenance, refuelling or dismantling. After more than two years study, DCNS is proud to announce an innovative concept for a small nuclear-powered subsea power plant. The information outlined here will be validated by a series of studies to be completed over the coming two years. A Flexblue plant would be able to meet the electricity requirements of regions with a population of 100,000 to 1,000,000, depending on the plant s power rating, the population s living standards and the needs of local industries. The Flexblue concept would call for a plant housed in a cylindrical hull measuring around 100 metres in length by 12 to 15 metres in diameter for a total mass of around 12,000 tonnes. Each power plant would be transportable using a purpose-built vessel. Proven technologies, innovative solution Flexblue would be based entirely on proven technologies combined in a new way. The result would be a major innovation in the global energy market. The concept would draw on DCNS s 40 years experience in nuclear engineering and a century of experience in submarine design and construction. It would also benefit from the Group s unique expertise in naval systems and nuclear propulsion. Flexblue would bring together the very best of DCNS s know-how in marine environments to ensure performance, reliability, safety, durability and environmental protection. Proven reactor design Flexblue would integrate reactors based on those developed for nuclear-powered submarines currently in operation. These are designed and built under AREVA-TA prime contractorship with the CEA and DCNS, and have proven their reliability and safety. Compared with the reactors powering nuclear submarines, which are specifically designed for naval propulsion, Flexblue reactors would be adapted for continuous power generation. Because Flexblue would be based on a modular design concept, it would inherently be compatible with future generations of small- and medium-sized reactors (SMRs). > Expert s viewpoint André Kolmayer, Head of DCNS s Civil Nuclear Engineering Business Unit and inventor of the Flexblue concept. The Flexblue concept would bring together two worlds nuclear energy and naval shipbuilding. It also brings together the classical-world elements earth and water. The first gives us nuclear fuels; the second is home to shipbuilding. With the exception of the long-standing cooperation between DCNS, the CEA and AREVA in nuclear propulsion systems for DCNS-designed warships for the French Navy, the worlds of nuclear energy and shipbuilding have followed essentially parallel paths. The idea of bringing these two worlds together is the result of our Group s determination to expand into the energy sector by exploiting its unique engineering expertise and industrial means. We have identified a market for competitive small- and mediumsized reactors (SMRs) and believe that we have a promising concept to meet this demand.

5 8/9 Flexblue s unparalleled concept Flexblue could be transported by purpose-built vessels similar to those currently used to install offshore platforms. Extending nuclear energy options to smaller plants According to the IAEA, 68 countries are considering or have expressed interest in nuclear energy. However, today s nuclear energy offering doesn t always meet the needs of: newcomers to nuclear energy developing countries with low per capita electricity consumption and limited infrastructure for electricity distribution and, in developed countries, specific areas (islands, peninsulas, and regions with a significant energy deficit). That s why the IAEA is supporting the development of transportable nuclear power plants (1). There is also a market for small- and medium-sized reactors (SMRs) with output ratings up to 300 MWe. If a competitive offer appears, this market is estimated at up to 200 units over the next 20 years. Flexblue would offer a solution for coastal areas regions extending up to 80 kilometres inland are home to two-thirds of the world s population (2). Phased growth The Flexblue concept would offer flexible generating capacity like no other solution on today s market. These compact, sea-transportable plants could be installed close to any region where their generating capacity is needed. Flexblue could be tailored to the energy needs of any country or region by installing additional seafloor plants side by side as demand increases. The investment to build multiple plants could be spread out over a period of time, as necessary. Optimised lifetime operation Flexblue solutions would use standard-design plants requiring very limited site-specific tailoring. This makes these plants fundamentally different from land-based nuclear power plants, which must be tailored in terms of civil engineering to accommodate local site constraints. With DCNS as prime contractor, Flexblue plants would be manufactured, assembled and tested in factories and shipyards using optimised modular construction techniques (including building blocks and skids) to keep production costs down and lead times short while at the same time guaranteeing the highest quality. Components, subassemblies and equipment for each Flexblue plant would be manufactured in the facilities of DCNS and its partners, then assembled at DCNS shipyards. DCNS has both vast experience as a prime contractor and a proven track record in working according to nuclear engineering standards. Flexblue plants would be stationary subsea installations without independent means of propulsion. They would be transported by purpose-built vessels similar to those currently used to install offshore platforms. These same vessels would carry Flexblue plants to approved shipyards for refuelling, major maintenance or dismantling. DCNS aims to design Flexblue plants so that they can be remotely controlled from a shore-based facility. Each plant would, however, include an onboard control room giving operators local control over critical operations, including startup and some maintenance phases. The plant would also be directly accessible at all times by mini-submersible. Maintenance would be based on proven procedures similar to those used by DCNS for many years to maintain, update and extend the life of naval vessels. Flexblue would meet the energy needs of developing countries and areas of developed countries with a significant energy deficit. (1) IAEA, International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO). (2) Grenelle de la Mer marine environment summit, 2 April 2009.

6 10/11 Flexblue s unparalleled concept The only substance released into the environment would be the seawater used for cooling. Flexblue could be tailored to the energy needs of any country or region by installing additional seafloor plants side by side as demand increases. Immersion ensures an infinite natural means of passive cooling. Guaranteed safety Flexblue plants would be designed from the outset to meet the world s most stringent nuclear safety standards equivalent to those applying to third-generation land-based nuclear power plants. Like the reactors powering nuclear submarines currently in operation (1), Flexblue reactors would be designed to prevent any contact between nuclear materials and the marine environment. Like the cores of other nuclear reactors, Flexblue cores would be protected by three barriers: fuel cladding, reactor vessel and hull. Immersion ensures an infinite natural means of passive cooling and allows inherent safety and security. In addition, each plant would also be protected against potential intruders. Safe for the environment Flexblue plants would have very limited ecological and environmental footprints.the only substance released into the environment would be the seawater used for cooling. Given that Flexblue plants would be located near centres of power consumption, it would be possible to connect them to local power distribution networks via buried cables (i.e. without the need for overhead VHT power lines). When a plant would reach the end of its operating life, it would be removed for dismantling and the seafloor promptly returned to its original condition. A competitive source of energy Cost is the key to meeting the future energy demand and the challenges posed by the growth of developing economies. DCNS studies to date suggest that Flexblue solutions should achieve a levelised cost of energy ( /MWh) that would be competitive with other modes of electricity generation relevant to the identified target markets. The explanation lies in: optimal standardisation of plant design plant construction in facilities and shipyards rather than on site no civil engineering works short construction time ease of dismantling phased investment and funding. > Expert s viewpoint Bruno Tertrais, senior researcher at the Paris-based Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS) and author of L atlas mondial du nucléaire, a world atlas of nuclear energy. Small reactors have two key benefits. First, they will offer countries that don t have a nuclear industry access to nuclear energy s advantages without having to invest first in the heavy infrastructure required for conventional full-scale nuclear power plants or acquire the full range of expertise needed to manage and operate such facilities. Next, for countries that already have a nuclear industry, or that plan to set one up in the future, small reactors can be sited in remote or relatively inaccessible areas where it is uneconomical to meet electricity demand using nuclear power plants that are both large and far away. While based on decades of experience with naval nuclear reactors, the solution proposed by DCNS is both bold and innovative. It is also so elegantly simple that one wonders why no one thought of it before. If any opposition of local populations to nuclear energy can be overcome typically, this is already less in developing countries than in the most advanced economies I believe the concept has a bright future. (1) Around 150 as of early 2011.

7 12/13 DCNS, dual EXPERTISE IN nuclear AND naval engineering Reactor pressure vessel internals for the EPR plant at Flammanville in France. Nuclear engineering The French State, with a 74% interest, is the Group s main shareholder. DCNS boasts almost four centuries of excellence in naval defence. As a designer and builder of nuclear-powered submarines, DCNS has proven expertise in nuclear reactors and their integration into submarines. The Group designs and produces key components for the pressurised-water reactors powering the French Navy s nuclear vessels. These components include reactor pressure vessel, RPV internals, steam generators, pressuriser, safety injection accumulators and auxiliary heat exchangers. Recent successes in civil nuclear engineering DCNS works with the French civil nuclear engineering industry s leading prime contractors including AREVA, CEA and EDF making available its unique manufacturing, erection, engineering and programme management resources. DCNS is manufacturing the reactor pressure vessel internals for the EPR (European Pressurised water Reactor) plant at Flamanville in France. DCNS produced two access airlocks for the Flamanville EPR reactor building. In early 2010, DCNS signed a contract with AREVA NP to undertake specialised welding work on replacement steam generators at EDF s Bugey plants. DCNS is a major EPC contractor for the RES reactor under construction at the CEA s Cadarache centre. DCNS is contributing to the erection of the Diesel buildings at the Olkiluoto EPR plant in Finland. In 2008, DCNS was awarded a contract by China Nuclear Power Engineering Company (CNPEC) to supply heat exchangers for the two EPR plants at Taishan. DCNS has built, in partnership with the CEA and AREVA-TA, and integrated no fewer than 18 nuclear power plants for French Navy submarines and aircraft carriers. DCNS-designed nuclear-powered warships have consistently demonstrated excellent at-sea reliability and safety. Long-term commitment to civil nuclear engineering As part of its strategic growth plan, DCNS is committing substantial long-term resources to civil nuclear engineering while drawing on its well-established expertise in technologically sophisticated programmes. From design concept to programme completion, DCNS deploys its expertise as: engineering firm EPC (engineering, procurement & construction) prime contractor for nuclear power plants or subsystems manufacturer of equipment built according to nuclear safety standards service contractor for nuclear power plant maintenance. Outlook France is setting up detailed studies to position the country as a leading player in small- and medium-sized power plants. For instance, AREVA is studying the feasibility and market potential of a 100 MWe nuclear reactor in order to assess the interest of developing such a reactor. Moreover, EDF and Areva have expressed interest in the Flexblue concept s modularity and standardisation. DCNS will work with Areva, EDF and the CEA on the next phase of Flexblue development. This will include detailed reviews of: technical and industrial options potential market Flexblue s competitive position compared with other sources of energy. issues involving nuclear proliferation risks safety and security aspects of subsea power plants with a view to demonstrating that Flexblue offers a level of safety comparable with that of third-generation land-based nuclear power plants. These studies are expected to last two years. Once these studies have been completed and the concept validated, DCNS and its partners could launch the construction of a prototype Flexblue plant. Flexblue would complement the existing range of medium- to high-power nuclear plants.

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9 DCNS 40-42, rue du Docteur Finlay F Paris Cedex 15 Tél. : +33(0) DCNS Corporate Communications January 2011 Design & production: English version: Steve Dyson Photo credits: DCNS, Dragon Rouge.