A Perspective on Small Μodular Reactors: A Case Study for Greece
Abstract
Global efforts towards decarbonization are intensifying, but the transition to a green economy comes at a high cost, which some estimate to amount to approximately $3.5 trillion dollars annual investment, most of which is upfront. This puts a strain on developing economies that possess fossil natural resources, because in giving them up they become increasingly dependent on imported energy, which comes at a high cost, in addition to costs incurred by their efforts to shift to renewable energy sources. Nuclear technology produces dispatchable and uninterrupted hydrogen, heat and electricity that can cover the requirements for base load, and interest in its adoption is rising. Small modular reactors (SMR) offer a number of advantages, particularly for countries with limited nuclear expertise. Here we briefly assess the present state of SMR systems and consider their advantages and disadvantages with focus on their potential adoption in Greece. The review discusses the history, present state and the possible future of including SMRs in the emerging Greek energy mix.
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References
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