Small Scale Nuclear Power an option for Alaska

Small Scale Nuclear Power an option for Alaska? Gwen Holdmann, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, University of Alaska Fairbanks

2021 ACEP Report to Legislature “Small Scale Nuclear Power: an option for Alaska? ” Overview of nuclear energy at the national and international level 2. Technology update – especially related to MNRs 3. Policy at state and national level, relevant international examples 4. Economic analysis of a theoretical SMR deployment 5. Recommendations for action 1. https: //acep. uaf. edu/

Small Nuclear Reactors r o t c a e R d e c n s a e v i d g o A l o n Tech Microreactors ter a w y v ea h / r e t a Light w Bre s r o t c ede rea ? r Re act or Mod ular Rea Nuclea ctor r s e l b a t r o p Trans Reactors

Small Nuclear Reactors (under development in U. S. , <300 MWe)

Why I am interested in small reactors: Provide baseload energy – heat and power Carbon free Safer? Competitive Pricing? Better long-term certainty of energy costs? Reduced risk of environmental contamination? • Possible complement to existing AK resource mix • • •

Question: What do micro reactor technologies have in common with TAPS?

Question: What does TAPS have in common with micro reactor technologies?

MNR/SMR Safety Fuel/fuel configuration New fuel configurations such as TRISO particles cannot melt in a reactor and can withstand extreme temperatures and stresses that are well beyond the threshold of current nuclear fuels. Cooling Heat cannot melt down fuel or compromise fuel containment. rely on passive safety features which require no active controls or operational intervention to avoid accidents in the event of malfunction, and instead rely on gravity, natural convection, or resistance to high temperatures (or a combination thereof)

Question: What do micro reactor technologies have in common with the automobile industry? Ford Assembly Line – Dearborn, MI Factory Source: Henry Ford Museum

Question: What do micro reactor technologies have in common with the automobile industry? Conceptual image: Nuscale Power Reactor Building Source: Nu. Scale Power Reactors. ©Nu. Scale Power, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Question: What do micro reactor technologies have in common diesel generators? Tuluksak, Alaska diesel powerhouse

Question: What do micro reactor technologies have in common diesel generators? Load Following Capability (and ability to “back” renewables)

Small Nuclear Working Group • Educate Alaskans about the small reactor industry, including technical, permitting/licensing, environmental, and economic factors. • Educate stakeholders in industry and agencies about Alaska through the lens of potential future deployments in the state. • Identify opportunities to demonstrate small nuclear technologies in Alaska in ways that minimize the risk and maximize the potential benefits to Alaskans.

Small Nuclear Working Group • First meeting scheduled for May 18 th 11: 30 am -1: 00 pm • General organizing meeting, review draft charter • Presentation by Westinghouse on e. Vinci microreactor

Thank you! Gwen Holdmann Alaska Center for Energy and Power University of Alaska Fairbanks Gwen. Holdmann@alaska. edu