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Small modular reactors enable the transition to a low-carbon power system across Canada

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  • Gao, Sichen
  • Huang, Guohe
  • Zhang, Xiaoyue
  • Han, Dengcheng

Abstract

The deep decarbonization of the power systems is pivotal to the efforts of global energy transition and climate mitigation. The small modular reactor (SMR) is a decarbonized, reliable and secure generating technology that can bring new possibilities for global power-sector transition. However, such a transition involves a variety of complexities even beyond conventional systems. We comprehensively explore the SMR deployment and the decarbonization pathway in a number of diversified power and jurisdictional systems under various complexities associated with multiple variables, objectives, criteria and constraints that have dynamic and interactive relationships. This effort is based on the development of an SMR-embedded multi-region power system management model (SMPM). Using Canada as an example, here we show that SMRs would play different roles in diversified power systems, particularly for fossil-fuel dependent, highly variable renewable energy-penetrated and off-grid. The introduction of SMRs to Canada would result in up to 71% (/48%) emission reduction from 2005 (/2018) level in the country by 2045. Our results would help show the significance of SMRs for supporting the global energy transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Sichen & Huang, Guohe & Zhang, Xiaoyue & Han, Dengcheng, 2022. "Small modular reactors enable the transition to a low-carbon power system across Canada," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:169:y:2022:i:c:s1364032122007870
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112905
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    1. Cheng, Yang & Jin, Lei & Fu, Haiyan & Fan, Yurui & Bai, Ruolin & Wei, Yi, 2024. "Investigating the impact of climate change and policy orientation on energy–carbon–water nexus under multi-criteria analysis," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PB).
    2. Xie, Wanni & Atherton, John & Bai, Jiaru & Farazi, Feroz & Mosbach, Sebastian & Akroyd, Jethro & Kraft, Markus, 2024. "A nuclear future? Small Modular Reactors in a carbon tax-driven transition to clean energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 364(C).

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