A report commissioned by the UK Government has recommended that subsidies should be extended to small modular reactor technology to help establish a supply chain and reduce technology costs, as has been done for renewables. Small reactors have the potential to reshape the economics of nuclear power, but are they a good candidate for government support? Nuclear policy consultant David Lowry told the Guardian in September: “SMRs are either old, discredited designs repackaged when companies see governments prepared to throw taxpayers’ subsidies to support them, or are exotic new technologies, with decades of research needed before they reach commercial maturity.” This is a contested point, with many believing that given further development they could become economical in little more than a decade. “The report sets out how small reactors can be cost-competitive, and we hope the financial sector will recognise this,” said Haslam. “Small reactors could make a significant contribution to bolstering energy security while tackling climate change, and we hope to see government taking forward the recommendations as soon as possible.”
Power Technology 7th Nov 2018 read more »