SMRs: The UK Why? Andrew H. Sherry. Chief Scientist, National Nuclear Laboratory

Transcription

1 SMRs: The UK Why? Andrew H. Sherry Chief Scientist, National Nuclear Laboratory

2 Contents 1. Critical characteristics of SMRs 2. SMRs in the UK Why? a) Economic Driver UK content b) Economic Driver Export potential c) Energy driver Levelised cost of electricity d) Energy Driver Fit within the UK energy network 3. The Panel

3 1. Critical characteristics of SMRs Compared with large nuclear stations EPR 1,600Gwe: Lower generating capacity < MWe Simpler in design Fewer pipes and welds Less on-site construction Modular built in factories Faster construction times ~ 3 years mpower 180MWe Westinghouse SMR: 225MWe Greater flexibility Load-following with renewables Dual use including district heating More potential sites Oldbury Magnox: 2 x 220MWe

4 1. Range of SMR designs CNEA CAREM Martingale ThorCon CNNC ACP-100 B&W mpower Holtec SMR160 Westinghouse SMR NuScale Thorium100 HTMR100 (Not to scale) X-Energy Xe100 Urenco U-Battery KAERI SMART Moltex Energy SSR

5 1. Range of fuel cycle options Fuel type: ipwr: HTR: MSR: standard PWR fuel (shorter length) fuel pellets (Triso) fuel and coolant together Accident tolerant fuel development Enrichment ipwr: < 5% HTR: > 10% MSR: < 5% Uranium supply expected to be stable Waste management Modest increase in waste volume per MWh Potential fuel supply from UK Urenco (enrichment) Springfields Fuels Ltd (manufacture)

6 2a. SMRs in the UK Why? Economic driver: opportunity for UK content and IP Detailed design Manufacture Nuclear fuel Construction Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)

7 Technology Readiness Level 2a. SMRs in the UK Why? Economic driver: opportunity for UK content and IP Time to deployment (years)

8 Indication of the potential global market and the type of technologies which could succeed in particular markets The size of the potential global market - geographical and political The markets or the components of markets which are expected to be closed to UK companies, either acting alone or in collaboration with international partners, Assessment of market segments, e.g. power, heat, desalination, energy for industry 2. SMRs in the UK Why? Economic driver: international export opportunities * Potentially inaccessible e.g. moratorium on new nuclear build or nationalised energy sector. UK: 7 GWe Global: 70 GWe Figure 1 - Global market assessment Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Feasibility Study, National Nuclear Laboratory, 2014 The market study concludes that there is a very significant market for SMRs where they fulfil a market need

9 Indication of the potential global market and the type of technologies which could succeed in particular markets The size of the potential global market - geographical and political The markets or the components of markets which are expected to be closed to UK companies, either acting alone or in collaboration with international partners, Assessment of market segments, e.g. power, heat, desalination, energy for industry 2b. SMRs in the UK Why? Economic driver: international export opportunities Developing countries where: electricity needs are dispersed grid capacities are limited where there is a need to balance electricity production against the variable supplies of renewables * Potentially inaccessible e.g. moratorium on deliver dual use, e.g. electricity alongside district heating or desalination new nuclear build or nationalised energy sector. UK: 7 GWe Global: 70 GWe Figure 1 - Global market assessment The market study concludes that there is a very significant market for SMRs where they fulfil a market need

10 Levelised cost of electricity ( /kwe) 2c. SMRs in the UK Why? Energy driver: levelised cost of electricity Economy of scale: assumes single unit and same design concept (large plant directly scaled down) Multiple Units N th of a kind learning Construction Schedule Timing Specific design Multiple Units: savings in cost for multiple small units at same time (direct - parts and buildings shared; fixed - one time charges; site-related costs) N th of a kind learning: cost reduction due to learning (in construction, operation) for a series of units at a single site Construction schedule: shorter construction time Timing: gradual capacity increase to fit energy demand growth Specific design: cost reduction due to specific design concept characteristics, e.g. simplification Plant capacity (MWe)

11 2c. SMRs in the UK Why? Energy driver: levelised cost of electricity Source: System requirements for alternative nuclear technologies project summary report, Energy Technologies Institute, 2015.

12 2d. SMRs in the UK Why? Energy driver: fit within the UK energy network Siting assessment 250 potential sites Up to ~70GWe SMR application Baseload power Variable power (load follow) Duel use (district heating)

13 The Panel Getting ready for SMR Technoeconomic assessment SMRs & Energy Security The Politics and Economics of SMRs in the UK Miranda Kirschell Ernst & Young LLP Candida Whitmill Penultimate Power UK Limited The Role For Nuclear In A UK Low Carbon Economy; Large Reactors and SMRs International perspective Mike Middleton Energy Technologies Institute Jaejoo Ha OECD