New nuclear projects need to evolve

Traditional nuclear power projects delivering baseload electricity will have to adapt if nuclear is to grow a significant role in a future UK low carbon energy system, according to the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) as it released a series of project reports into nuclear energy from its research portfolio. 

Analysis carried out by the ETI has shown that new nuclear plants can form a major part of an affordable low carbon transition in the UK with potential roles for both large nuclear and small modular reactors (SMRs). Large reactors are best suited for baseload electricity production, but actual deployment will be influenced by a number of factors – not all of them technical – and SMRs could fulfil an additional role in a UK low carbon energy system by delivering combined heat and power helping to decarbonise energy use in buildings.

 The ETI evidence base on energy system planning indicates the best way forward is for the UK to seek to secure the delivery of a programme of contemporary large GW light water reactors. However, the nuclear industry has to articulate clearly its role in a changing energy system and also demonstrate realistic cost reduction in the ongoing development of nuclear power generation.

 It also needs to understand how nuclear fits as part of the UK’s industrial strategy.

 Mike Middleton, Strategy Manager for the ETI’s nuclear programme said: ‘The UK benefits from an established knowledge base and supply chain in nuclear power plant operations, but there is competition for nuclear to prove itself economically against other low carbon options. There is a vibrant global start up mentality emerging in the nuclear power industry looking at how to develop alternatives to traditional large scale reactor provision. However, it is yet to emerge whether nuclear will be constrained to traditional baseload generation or whether a broader role will develop to complement the growth of other low carbon technologies.’

 Evidence from projects carried out by the ETI has shown that SMRs could be cost-effective but further work is needed to improve the economics of their construction and operation.

 There are also economic benefits from deploying SMRs as combined heat and power (CHP) plants to energise district heating networks so they should be deployed as CHP ready and such designs should address future energy system requirements to ensure they are fit for purpose to deliver power and heat giving system flexibility.

 Middleton added: ‘The requirement to innovate to improve the predictability and affordability of new nuclear power plants has never been stronger. The challenge to overcome is how new nuclear projects are financed so they move away from overseas and government equity funding schemes such as for Hinkley Point C. This is where new thinking on construction has a number of roles to play.’

 ‘Future nuclear technologies will only be deployed if there is a market need and such technologies provide the most cost effective solution; the nuclear industry has a challenge to demonstrate how it can reduce costs as more UK new nuclear projects come forward, and also demonstrate competitiveness alongside other low carbon options within the energy mix such as renewables.’

 ‘An inability to “get match fit” and demonstrate cost reductions will result in other options – such as renewables – becoming more prevalent in a future UK energy system. It’s also important to determine whether the UK is going to be at the forefront of a growing global nuclear industry with the economic benefits of domestic design and production bring or become a consumer of nuclear technologies provided by others.’

 ETI has just released over 20 documents on its website from its work on nuclear projects which can be found at http://www.eti.co.uk/programmes/nuclear

Nuclear news

Meanwhile, French owned energy firm EDF is reported to have admitted that the Hinkley Point C nuclear power project in Somerset is at least £1.5bn over budget and 15 months behind schedule. It said that the total cost could now reach £20.3bn, up from the £18bn previously estimated. EDF attributed the cost increase to its need for ‘a better understanding’ of the construction work and the UK’s regulatory requirements. However, the company insists that it is still aiming for a delivery date of 2025.

In other news, it is reported that South Korea’s largest power company Kepco has confirmed that it is in talks with Toshiba to acquire a stake in the NuGeneration venture, which is behind the construction of a nuclear power plant in Moorside, Cumbria. The £10bn Moorside project is currently stalled due to the collapse of Toshiba’s US nuclear business Westinghouse, which is also designing the reactors for the project. 

However, Kepco has made clear that any deal would be contingent on it using its own reactor design, which could push back the start date of Moorside by two years to 2027.