The Role of Small Modular Reactors in the Energy Transition (Slides)

There is an unprecedented need to expand the toolbox of solutions to boost the scalability of clean power and energy systems. Amidst this challenge, nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as an important player in the path toward deep decarbonization of the global energy mix, where small modular reactors (SMRs) are touted as the next big thing in the nuclear sector. This webinar provides an overview of SMR concepts currently under development and deployment. We show their technical features and how they could have a complementary role alongside renewable energies. Nevertheless, there are currently some uncertainties in the techno-economic competitiveness of SMRs, such as whether they can leverage the economics of mass production over their inherent lack of economics of scale. We present expected learning curves to give insights into SMR's economic competitiveness and potential role as a disruptive solution in the energy transition.

1. Recent news and ambitions
2. Overview of nuclear reactor technologies
3. Power and energy system integration and flexibility
4. Economic competitiveness and its uncertainties
5. Discussions and conclusions (D&C)
6. Questions and answers (Q&A)