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NUC_ST2028_2.pdf

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Abstract:

The purpose of this SMR Deployment Enablers Project is to determine in support of potential SMR deployment in the UK:

the activities comprising the first five years of a development programme for the UK deployment of a Small Modular Reactor
a timeline with milestones to accompany this programme definition
the necessary capability of the SMR utility/developer organisation during this phase of a UK SMR development programme

This is the Summary Report, Deliverable 8, and supersedes previous interim Deliverables, or Deliverable Packs,. The reports explain the logic and necessity for the enabling activities during the first 5 years of such a programme.

This report summarises the wider study commissioned by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to understand the opportunities for the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) as part of the transitiontowards a UK low carbon energy system. This wider study has considered key factors such as siting criteria and the potential locations for early SMR deployment in the UK; and the development characteristics, timescales, operational performance and cost envelope for SMRs to be an attractive technology. Building on the findings from this earlier work, the SMR Deployment Enablers (SDE) Project identifies the enabling activities that would be necessary in the first five years of a programme to support potential operations of a first UK SMR by 2030.

The following conclusions are reached:

Implementation of an First OfA Kind (FOAK) SMR is possible without facilitative action by Government
Pre-FID investor confidence is of critical importance for achieving the 2030 timeline
For an effective programme to achieve FOAK SMR deployment, significant Governmentcommitment and facilitative action is required from the outset
It is insufficient for the first 5 years of the deployment schedule to focus on just GDAand RegulatoryJustification
A strong and early marriage is required between developer / operator and vendor
The notion of a developer / operator / vendor ‘boot camp’ is proposed as a near-term risk mitigation activity
The scale of the recruitment challenge to establish a Nuclear Baseline should not be underestimated, with staged planning essential
Regulators will need tobe able to resource-up without adverse influence on current UK nuclear safety activity
A co-ordinated public communications plan is required, led by the prospective Licensee, supported by the vendor and facilitated by Government
Bounding assumptions were judged to be sound in the context of a deployment schedule leading to a UK FOAK SMR operating by 2030
The evidence gathered forms the basis of a toolkit which could be used to test or assess the feasibility of specific scenarios for SMR Deployment in the UK

The schedule for UK FOAK deployment operations would depend upon the associated assumptions. Such options may include:

A risk-averse deployment plan which focusses on completion of GDA and Regulatory Justification to establish a credible design before commencing work on site specific aspects and developing a credible nuclear operator. This may suggest a schedule with risk of delay to FOAK first operation beyond 2030.
A deployment plan for a less technology/design ready SMR. GDA would not commence until later in the schedule with possible plans to complete manufacturing and construction in a shorter timeframe.This may suggest a schedule with risk of delay to FOAK first operation beyond 2030.
Assessment of developer / operators with different characteristics and different working arrangements and modes of engagement with the vendor. For example,a developer with a mature and capable licensee organisation which may suggest an opportunity for an accelerated deployment schedule.
FOAK deployment at a site identified as potentially suitable for nuclear development in the Nuclear NPS.This may again suggest an opportunity for an accelerated deployment schedule

Publication Year:

2016

Publisher:

ETI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000351

Author(s):

Decision Analysis Services Ltd

Energy Categories

Class Name:

Subclass Name:

Category Name:

Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Nuclear Fission

Other converter reactors

Nuclear supporting technologies

Language:

English

File Type:

application/pdf

File Size:

1278807 B

Rights:

Energy Technologies Institute Open Licence for Materials

Rights Overview:

The Energy Technologies Institute is making this document available to use under the Energy Technologies Institute Open Licence for Materials. Please refer to the Energy Technologies Institute website for the terms and conditions of this licence. The Information is licensed "as is" and the Energy Technologies Institute excludes all representations, warranties, obligations and liabilities in relation to the Information to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Energy Technologies Institute is not liable for any errors or omissions in the Information and shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage of any kind caused by its use. This exclusion of liability includes, but is not limited to, any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages in each case such as loss of revenue, data, anticipated profits, and lost business. The Energy Technologies Institute does not guarantee the continued supply of the Information. Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary contained on the face of this document, the Energy Technologies Institute confirms that it has the right to publish this document.

Further information:

N/A

Region:

United Kingdom

Publication Type:

Project Report

Subject:

Energy Generation Plants

Theme(s):

Nuclear

Related Dataset(s):

No related datasets