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DOE OSTI · 1879211

Small Reactors in Microgrids: Technoeconomic Analysis

Poudel, Bikash·McJunkin, Timothy R.·Kang, Ning·Reilly, James T.·Stadler, Michael
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Abstract

This report presents the results of technoeconomic analysis that advances understanding of the potential of small modular reactors and microreactors, collectively referred to as small reactors (SRs) in this report, in microgrids. This analysis was conducted using a proxy model for SR in microgrids based on the datapoints that were identified and explored in a predecessor report “Small Reactors in Microgrids: Technical Studies Guidance.” The results and the subsequent comparative analysis in this report show that SRs could be a cost-competitive generation option when capital costs are modeled considering potential economies of scale in sizing. If the CO 2 tax is imposed on carbon fuels, SRs would be even more attractive than gas generators. Then, SRs in microgrids would play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint at the local distribution level. However, it is particularly important to identify the most suitable use cases for early adoption and the right balance of generation mix with other clean technologies as SRs achieve a level of technological and financial maturity.

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21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMYMicrogridMicroreactorNet-zero MicrogridResilienceSmall Modular ReactorSmall ReactorTechnoeconomic Analysis

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Poudel, Bikash, McJunkin, Timothy R., Kang, Ning, Reilly, James T., Stadler, Michael. 2022-08-01. Small Reactors in Microgrids: Technoeconomic Analysis. https://doi.org/10.2172/1879211

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