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Economic viability of small nuclear reactors in future European cogeneration markets

Author

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  • Carlsson, Johan
  • Shropshire, David E.
  • van Heek, Aliki
  • Fütterer, Michael A.

Abstract

Small nuclear reactors align well with the small heat-capacity needs for many European process industries. Combined heat and power (CHP) reactors can support the EU low-carbon society goals while providing stability in production and cost. High temperature reactor technologies are well suited for the production of “high value” heat by producing temperatures of 200–550°C. However, little is known about the market potential or economic competitiveness of these reactors in future European cogeneration markets. This study shows that the greatest potential is in chemical/petroleum, paper, metal, and bioenergy markets with small capacities (50–250MWth). Target market costs for coal-CHP and natural gas-CHP were determined to range from 60–100€/MWh and 95–208€/MWh, respectively. Costs for “heat-only” ranges from 30–60€/MWh based on gas boilers. Parametric analysis was used to create a cost breakdown (capital, operations and maintenance, fuel, and decommissioning) for an equivalent nuclear CHP that could compete against coal-CHP and natural gas-CHP. Sensitivity analysis showed that reactor capital costs and the costs of capital had the largest influence on competitiveness. In summary, the opportunities for nuclear CHP are highest in natural gas-CHP markets; however the benefits for CO2 reduction were greatest against coal-CHP.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlsson, Johan & Shropshire, David E. & van Heek, Aliki & Fütterer, Michael A., 2012. "Economic viability of small nuclear reactors in future European cogeneration markets," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 396-406.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:43:y:2012:i:c:p:396-406
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.01.020
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Black, Geoffrey A. & Aydogan, Fatih & Koerner, Cassandra L., 2019. "Economic viability of light water small modular nuclear reactors: General methodology and vendor data," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 248-258.
    2. Leurent, Martin & Jasserand, Frédéric & Locatelli, Giorgio & Palm, Jenny & Rämä, Miika & Trianni, Andrea, 2017. "Driving forces and obstacles to nuclear cogeneration in Europe: Lessons learnt from Finland," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 138-150.
    3. Alonso, Gustavo & Bilbao, Sama & Valle, Edmundo del, 2016. "Economic competitiveness of small modular reactors versus coal and combined cycle plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(P1), pages 867-879.
    4. Haneklaus, Nils & Schröders, Sarah & Zheng, Yanhua & Allelein, Hans-Josef, 2017. "Economic evaluation of flameless phosphate rock calcination with concentrated solar power and high temperature reactors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(P1), pages 1148-1157.
    5. Kang, Seong Woo & Yim, Man-Sung, 2023. "Coupled system model analysis for a small modular reactor cogeneration (combined heat and power) application," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PA).
    6. Leurent, Martin & Da Costa, Pascal & Jasserand, Frédéric & Rämä, Miika & Persson, Urban, 2018. "Cost and climate savings through nuclear district heating in a French urban area," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 616-630.
    7. Black, Geoffrey & Taylor Black, Meredith A. & Solan, David & Shropshire, David, 2015. "Carbon free energy development and the role of small modular reactors: A review and decision framework for deployment in developing countries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 83-94.
    8. Frederik Reitsma & Peter Woods & Martin Fairclough & Yongjin Kim & Harikrishnan Tulsidas & Luis Lopez & Yanhua Zheng & Ahmed Hussein & Gerd Brinkmann & Nils Haneklaus & Anand Rao Kacham & Tumuluri Sre, 2018. "On the Sustainability and Progress of Energy Neutral Mineral Processing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-18, January.

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