Can a small SMR reactor power a city of 100,000 people?

SMR reactor Small town

SMR reactor Small town

Small modular nuclear reactors, known as SMR (Small Modular Reactors), are gaining more and more ground as a sustainable and secure energy solution for future needs. But can a single SMR cover the needs of an entire city with a population of 100,000?

In this article, we examine the capabilities, limitations, and advantages of an SMR, especially in relation to a city of this size.

What is an SMR?

The SMRs are smaller nuclear reactors that are manufactured in factories and transported prefabricated to the installation site. Instead of producing thousands of MW like conventional reactors, SMRs range from 50 to 300 MW per unit. Their main advantage is flexibility in installation and greater safety due to passive cooling systems.

How much energy does a city of 100,000 inhabitants need?

Energy consumption depends on geographical location, standard of living and local industries. In general:

  • The average electricity consumption per capita in the EU is approximately 6,000 kWh/year.

  • For 100,000 inhabitants, this is equivalent to 600,000,000 kWh/year, that is 600 GWh/year.

  • This translates to approximately 68 MW continuous power, considering that the year has 8,760 hours.

Can an SMR meet this need?

The answer is Yes, and even with relative ease:

  • A typical SMR, such as NuScale VOYGR-1, produces approximately 77 MW of electrical power.

  • This is sufficient to cover the annual needs of a city of 100,000 inhabitants, even with increased demands in winter or for municipal facilities.

nuclear reactor city

Advantages of using SMR for cities

  1. Energy autonomy – The city does not depend on central transportation networks.

  2. Stable supply – SMRs are not affected by the weather like RES.

  3. Low CO₂ emissions – They operate without pollutants.

  4. Scalable power – More units can be combined depending on population growth.

Read also  What is the difference between nuclear fusion and fission?

Concerns and challenges

  • Licensing: The installation of a nuclear reactor is subject to strict regulations.

  • Public acceptance: Nuclear energy continues to cause fear among the population.

  • Investment cost: Although SMRs are cheaper than large reactors, they remain expensive compared to other technologies.

Conclusion

SMR technology is a promising solution for energy autonomy in medium-sized cities. A single SMR can reliably power a city of 100,000 inhabitants, offering clean and continuous energy with a low environmental footprint. The future of this technology will depend mainly on social acceptance and regulatory developments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

en_USEnglish