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Technical and Economic Comparative Analysis of Nuclear Power Plants: AP1000 and SMR

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  • Natalia Kasińska

    (Institute of Electric Power Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Agata Mielcarek

    (Institute of Electric Power Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Jakub Sierchuła

    (Institute of Electric Power Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Radosław Szczerbowski

    (Institute of Electric Power Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Bartosz Ceran

    (Institute of Electric Power Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

Abstract

Due to the necessity of decarbonising and transforming the Polish energy mix, topic of using nuclear power plants as one of the key low-carbon generation sources is returning to the public debate. This paper compares a large, system-wide AP1000 nuclear power plant with a new concept based on small modular reactors (SMRs), specifically NuScale 60 MW e . Computer models of secondary loops of the generating units were used for the analysis, and basic operating parameters were determined. A consistent modelling approach was used to evaluate technical, thermodynamic, and economic indicators. As a result, a relationship between total capital expenditures and unit electricity generation cost was developed. For example, if the investment outlays, taking into account the freeze, for a large-scale nuclear power plant are USD 8 billion, then the investment outlays for an SMR power plant should be below USD 0.4 billion in order to ultimately ensure a lower or equal unit discounted cost of electric energy generation. Assuming stable power demand, the AP1000 reactor power plant remains the most cost-effective technology, offering favourable economies of scale. However, modular units are characterised by shorter lead times and greater flexibility of application in different areas of the energy industry. Therefore, in the decarbonisation process, it is essential to develop both analysed technologies in parallel.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalia Kasińska & Agata Mielcarek & Jakub Sierchuła & Radosław Szczerbowski & Bartosz Ceran, 2025. "Technical and Economic Comparative Analysis of Nuclear Power Plants: AP1000 and SMR," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4749-:d:1743684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mignacca, B. & Locatelli, G., 2020. "Economics and finance of Small Modular Reactors: A systematic review and research agenda," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
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    3. Vegel, Benjamin & Quinn, Jason C., 2017. "Economic evaluation of small modular nuclear reactors and the complications of regulatory fee structures," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 395-403.
    4. Changan Ren & Jichong Lei & Jie Liu & Jun Hong & Hong Hu & Xiaoyong Fang & Cannan Yi & Zhiqiang Peng & Xiaohua Yang & Tao Yu, 2024. "Research on an Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Method for Small Modular Reactors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-15, August.
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