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System Requirements for Alternative Nuclear Technologies - Using small modular reactors to supply district heat networks


Citation Friggens, S., Ashley, R., Bell, P. and Aufranc, D. System Requirements for Alternative Nuclear Technologies - Using small modular reactors to supply district heat networks, ETI, 2016. https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000609.
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Author(s) Friggens, S., Ashley, R., Bell, P. and Aufranc, D.
Project partner(s) Mott MacDonald
Publisher ETI
DOI https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000609
Download NUC_ST2033_5.pdf document type
Abstract The purpose of the System Requirements for Alternative Nuclear Technologies project was to capture the high level technical performance characteristics and business-case parameters of small thermal plants, which will be of value to the potential future of the UK’s energy system. The project included small nuclear reactors, enabling comparison with other small-scale plants, such as those powered by bio-mass. The project outputs will help enable the subsequent contrast of a range of specific technologies.

A presentation describing the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to supply district heat networks. Draft conclusions drawn are
  • SMR heat supply (CHP) is technically feasible and easy to implement
  • CHP solutions can provide flexible heat and power independently
  • CHP improves SMR economics –costs are modest; revenues large
  • Different SMRdesign philosophies (module size & efficiency) make little difference to CHP cost or performance
  • Many international examples of heat supply to DH networks from large power plants, including nuclear
  • Plant cooling technologies that use very little water are technically feasible and could be retrofitted
Associated Project(s) ETI-ST2033: System Requirements for Alternative Nuclear Technologies
Associated Dataset(s) No associated datasets
Associated Publication(s)

ETI Insights Report - The role for nuclear within a low carbon energy system

Infographic - New Nuclear plants and transition to low carbon

Infographic - Preparing for Deployment of a UK Small Modular Reactor by 2030

List of projects for the ETI Nuclear (NUC) Programme

System Requirements For Alternative Nuclear Technologies (Phase 3) - Technical assessment of SMR heat extraction for district heat networks - Final Report

System Requirements For Alternative Nuclear Technologies - Project Summary Report

System Requirements for Alternative Nuclear Technologies - Overview & Key Findings (Presentation)

System Requirements for Alternative Nuclear Technologies - Presentation - Approach and Findings

System Requirements for Alternative Nuclear Technologies - Request for Proposals