Abstract

The problems of climate change and energy security in today’s world are numerous. Nuclear power plants have been touted as a key part of future energy grids by the UN, International Energy Agency and International Atomic Energy Agency. But can they be built quickly or cheaply enough to be of use in the energy transition or to meet energy security needs? How can Nuclear Power Plants fit with other sources of energy like Wind or Solar? The Holtec Small Modular Reactor produces 160 Megawatts-electric (SMR-160) of power, can operate independently (black-start capable) and without large bodies of water via air cooling with a footprint of only 3 hectares. The most economically efficient deployment model consists of 4 or more units on a site. The primary application of the SMR -160 is electricity production with optional cogeneration equipment (e.g., hydrogen generation, district heating, or seawater desalination) while its size makes it a viable replacement for existing fossil fuel power plants and speedy deployment.