The Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) suggests that Ireland might need to contemplate incorporating small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as part of their strategy to transition to a carbon-neutral energy system, thereby progressing toward nationwide decarbonisation by the year 2050. This advice comes following a report from the cross-border think tank released on Monday, indicating the requirement for a contingency plan if the current strategies such as a significant augmentation of wind and solar energy backed by green hydrogen, become unviable or fail to achieve the desired outcome.
Even though nuclear power plants remain forbidden per Irish laws, the all-island body believes that the situation necessitates reconsideration. However, the state lacks the needed expertise to implement such a paradigm shift in their energy production. To facilitate an informed, fact-based public conversation about these crucial topics, proficiency in the Electricity Supply Board, Environmental Protection Agency, EirGrid, and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities is essential.
The IAE report cautions that there will likely be an incremental cost to the consumer due to the problems posed by the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources, stating that their success ultimately depends on the presence of a dependable backup during periods of insufficient renewable energy availability.
While alternatives like wind energy can be unpredictable, with productivity occasionally plummeting to near zero for extended periods, at present, these renewable energy sources rely primarily on fossil fuels, predominantly natural gas, as a support system.
Many nations are considering the use of SMRs beside renewables as a cost-effective, carbon-neutral electricity option. Unlike conventional nuclear power plants, SMRs are substantially more affordable, factory-produced, and can be shipped to the destination for installation, while also being used for heat generation, or even to power ships and submarines.
Despite being used for over seven decades for electricity production, the European Union saw almost a quarter of its electricity generation through nuclear energy in the preceding year, generating virtually zero carbon emissions.
Eamonn O’Reilly, the chair of the IAE energy and climate action committee, has argued that Ireland must consider the potential role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the country’s future energy plan. Rather than merely being open-minded about the concept, O’Reilly is calling for an active approach to assessing the feasibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of SMRs by the mid-2030s.
Additionally, the country needs to establish the relevant institutional capacity and expertise to facilitate the integration of these reactors. O’Reilly warned that if the national strategy relies heavily on hydrogen without a backup plan, it could prove unjustifiably expensive or even unfeasible.
He stressed the immediacy of the task at hand, stating that failing to prepare for potential SMR inclusion could thwart efforts to decarbonise the energy sector by 2050. O’Reilly also mentioned that 32 nations have pledged to utilise nuclear power to combat climate change, after its recognition as a viable decarbonisation pathway at the recent COP28 summit.
O’Reilly, who previously held the position of CEO at Dublin Port, claimed that SMRs in development utilise both established and cutting-edge technologies. If viable, he expects large-scale deployment of SMRs within a decade or two.
He highlighted specific hurdles that Ireland faces due to its island locality. To reach a zero-carbon energy sector, along with ensuring reliability and security of supply, unique solutions will be required.
Echoing the response to the second oil shock in the 1970s, the IAE chair believes that a partnership between state bodies and SMR manufacturers could lead to an evaluation of their potential role in Ireland’s energy framework. This could prompt a shift in government policy, allowing for their incorporation if warranted, O’Reilly noted.
The UK is currently evaluating six Small Modular Reactor (SMR) prototypes to determine the superior design. In a similar vein, France has recently allocated €300 million through its nuclear power company EDF to further investigate SMR potential. In the meantime, across the Atlantic, Terrapower – a company established by Bill Gates – is set to instigate the construction of its new Natrium-branded SMR, employing liquid sodium for cooling in place of water. The global pursuit of SMR development is largely led by nations like China, Russia, and the US.
For Ireland’s energy market to effectively adopt SMRs along with renewable sources, the Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) advises the establishment of suitable structures, taking cues from the experience of other nations. It also necessitates framework in place to assess the environmental impact of potential SMR projects, and to regulate them.
Mr. O’Reilly implied that a national dialogue on the introduction of SMRs into Ireland’s energy palette and crucial connected issues – including safety and disposal of nuclear waste – can only occur if these measures are implemented.
Should there be alternative more effective strategies to achieve zero-carbon energy without the need for SMRs, this work could be terminated.
According to IAE, several arguments against nuclear power implementation no longer hold. For instance, the notion that Ireland is too diminutive for nuclear energy doesn’t hold water anymore.
Previously, the capacity discrepancy between a nuclear plant and the Irish grid was one of the reasons for not constructing a nuclear plant. Then, a single 500-megawatt nuclear reactor would have contributed to 25% of the country’s peak demand (2,000MW).
Contrarily, today’s developing SMRs possess less capacity than an average large-scale generator, generally holding a capacity of 300MW or less – approximately one third of standard plants.
Whilst small modular reactors (SMRs) have been overlooked within policymaking, based on the apparent dearth of nuclear acumen in Ireland, this perspective must be reassessed, according to the IAE. It pointed to past scenarios where Ireland succeeded with zero prior knowledge, such as building the Ardnacrusha in the 1920s and the 25MW Arklow project pioneered by Airtricity two decades ago, despite no offshore wind farm building experience. Insufficient knowledge in hydrogen has not deterred its prominence in governmental policy. Building institutional capacity is thus vital to prepare Ireland with the necessary SMR capabilities, were they to be required.
The advantages of SMRs, capable of a reliable supply of energy and controllable power, contrast sharply with renewables, which necessitate back-up zero-carbon power generators. The report delves into the expected price of hydrogen and highlights a substantial cost increase carried by consumers. Moreover, SMRs offer grid stability, a service unfeasible for renewables. When the grid will eventually be almost fully renewable, such services would have to be procured from elsewhere, leading to higher costs for consumers.
The IAE concludes that the SMR choice might not be as costly as feared, once the entire costs of the energy transition are understood. Addressing concerns about safety, nuclear waste, public perception, and potential environmental and catastrophic disasters, the report suggests that these issues must be weighed against the effects of climate change. It also proposes a review of potential risks posed by alternative zero-carbon power generating technologies, such as hydrogen or ammonia.