2711. SMR integration: a Belgian offgrid study case with Lead-cooled Fast Reactor
Invited abstract in session WB-46: Nuclear-powered energy systems and new reactor concepts, stream Energy Economics & Management.
Wednesday, 10:30-12:00Room: Newlyn 1.07
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Antoine Larbanois
|
| Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Liege University,, Uliège |
Abstract
Europe must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to attain carbon neutrality. Currently, it remains reliant on energy imports. Alongside this goal, geopolitical tensions are boosting the push for energy independence. Local green energy options are limited and their intermittent natures requires significant investments in grids and storage. Nuclear energy, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), presents a promising low-carbon alternative. SMRs offer a wide range of capacities, lower initial investments, and quicker deployment compared to traditional reactors. This paper explores a Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (SMR-LFR) in an off-grid, energy-intensive industrial setting. It examines the viability of such a setup and how on-grid sites can size installations to ensure resilience during grid shutdowns. To ensure autonomy, we evaluate flexible storage solutions, such as electric batteries and synthetic molecules (H2, NH3). A comparative analysis of hydrogen production methods (AEC, PEM, SOEC) is also provided. The modelling of these systems is performed using GBOML, with an optimization performed over a cyclic year, using fifteen-minute time steps. Our findings show that integrating flexible storage elements adds only 3% to total costs, mainly for managing seasonal fluctuations. While differences in electrolyzer technology have minimal cost impact, they affect storage requirements. The average costs for electricity and heat are approximately €60/MWh and €25/MWh, respectively.
Keywords
- OR in Energy
- Optimization Modeling
- Supply Chain Management
Status: accepted
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