Life cycle analysis of a network of small modular reactors

Small modular reactors are highly-touted as the next-generation nuclear reactors that can provide alternatives to baseload energy sources such as coal and gas. Lesser dependence on these energy resources may enable faster development in poorer countries. The small modular reactors’ modularity allows for faster construction times vis-à-vis large reactors. Together with this, as more of the same reactors are constructed, costs are expected to decrease with learnings made from the experience of producing the previous one. From a technological point of view, Small modular reactors are capable of generating energy at a lower cost compared to large reactors due to the lesser capital costs that arise from faster construction times. However, it is important to understand the overall environmental impact of small modular reactors when used as a network of reactors to generate energy. Life-cycle analysis is an accepted methodology to assess various environmental impacts of technology from cradle to grave. In this work, a case study of the development of a network of small modular reactors with a unique supply chain is presented. Since small modular reactors can be sited separately, and with its comparatively higher number of reactors and plants, the same network of small modular reactors has a higher carbon footprint than a single large reactor. However, this result should be carefully considered together with other criteria that affect the decision-making in the construction and development of small modular reactors or large reactors as these may outweigh marginally higher carbon footprints, such as economic, social, and political benefits.