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iMAGINE—Visions, Missions, and Steps for Successfully Delivering the Nuclear System of the 21st Century

Author

Listed:
  • Bruno Merk

    (School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK)

  • Dzianis Litskevich

    (School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK)

  • Anna Detkina

    (School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK)

  • Omid Noori-kalkhoran

    (School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK)

  • Lakshay Jain

    (School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK)

  • Elfriede Derrer-Merk

    (School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK)

  • Daliya Aflyatunova

    (School of Physical Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK)

  • Greg Cartland-Glover

    (Scientific Computing Department, Daresbury Laboratory, Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Research and Innovation, Warrington WA4 4AD, UK)

Abstract

Nuclear technologies have the potential to play a major role in the transition to a global net-zero society. Their primary advantage is the capability to deliver controllable 24/7 energy on demand. However, as a prerequisite for successful worldwide application, significant innovation will be required to create the nuclear systems of the 21st century, the need of the hour. The pros (low harmful emissions, high reliability, low operational expenses, and high energy density) and cons (environmental damage, fuel waste disposal concerns, limited uranium reserves, and long construction time-frame) of nuclear are discussed and analysed at different levels—the societal and public recognition and concerns (accidents, weapons, mining, and waste) as well as the scientific/engineering and economic level—to assure a demand-driven development. Based on the analysis of the different challenges, a vision for the nuclear system of the 21st century is synthesised consisting of three pillars— unlimited nuclear energy , zero waste nuclear , and accident-free nuclear . These three combined visions are then transformed into dedicated and verifiable missions that are discussed, in detail, regarding challenges and opportunities. In the following, a stepwise approach to the development of such a highly innovative nuclear system is described. Essential steps to assure active risk reduction and the delivery of quick progress are derived as answers to the critique on the currently observed extensive construction time and cost overruns on new nuclear plants. The 4-step process consisting of basic studies, experimental zero power reactor, small-scale demonstrator, and industrial demonstrator is described. The four steps, including sub-steps, deliver the pathway to a successful implementation of such a ground-breaking new nuclear system. The potential sub-steps are discussed with the view not only of the scientific development challenges but also as an approach to reduce the regulatory challenges of a novel nuclear technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno Merk & Dzianis Litskevich & Anna Detkina & Omid Noori-kalkhoran & Lakshay Jain & Elfriede Derrer-Merk & Daliya Aflyatunova & Greg Cartland-Glover, 2023. "iMAGINE—Visions, Missions, and Steps for Successfully Delivering the Nuclear System of the 21st Century," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:7:p:3120-:d:1111062
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. M. V. Ramana, 2018. "Technical and social problems of nuclear waste," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 7(4), July.
    2. Merk, Bruno & Stanculescu, Alexander & Chellapandi, Perumal & Hill, Robert, 2015. "Progress in reliability of fast reactor operation and new trends to increased inherent safety," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 104-116.
    3. Bruno Merk & Anna Detkina & Dzianis Litskevich & Maulik Patel & Omid Noori-kalkhoran & Gregory Cartland-Glover & Olga Efremova & Mark Bankhead & Claude Degueldre, 2022. "A First Step towards Zero Nuclear Waste—Advanced Strategic Thinking in Light of iMAGINE," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-21, September.
    4. Bruno Merk & Anna Detkina & Dzianis Litskevich & Seddon Atkinson & Gregory Cartland-Glover, 2020. "The Interplay between Breeding and Thermal Feedback in a Molten Chlorine Fast Reactor," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-15, April.
    5. Poinssot, Ch. & Bourg, S. & Ouvrier, N. & Combernoux, N. & Rostaing, C. & Vargas-Gonzalez, M. & Bruno, J., 2014. "Assessment of the environmental footprint of nuclear energy systems. Comparison between closed and open fuel cycles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 199-211.
    6. Tuuli Vilhunen & Matti Kojo & Tapio Litmanen & Behnam Taebi, 2022. "Perceptions of justice influencing community acceptance of spent nuclear fuel disposal. A case study in two Finnish nuclear communities," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(8), pages 1023-1046, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hanna Hrinchenko & Olha Prokopenko & Nadiia Shmygol & Viktor Koval & Liliya Filipishyna & Svitlana Palii & Lucian-Ionel Cioca, 2024. "Sustainable Energy Safety Management Utilizing an Industry-Relative Assessment of Enterprise Equipment Technical Condition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Bruno Merk & Anna Detkina & Omid Noori-kalkhoran & Lakshay Jain & Dzianis Litskevich & Gregory Cartland-Glover, 2023. "New Waste Management Options Created by iMAGINE through Direct Operation on Spent Nuclear Fuel Feed," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-17, November.

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