TNO research: small nuclear reactors can play key role in future energy system
Although nuclear power plants are more expensive than wind turbines and solar panels, a flexible supply of energy is needed for stable electricity production.
Published on November 17, 2024
AI-generated image of a nuclear plant next to solar and wind energy plants.
In a joint project, TNO and NRG PALLAS investigated the potential role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the Dutch energy system. With NRG PALLAS' expertise in innovative reactor technologies and using TNO's energy system model OPERA, it was demonstrated that small nuclear reactors have an important role and contribution in the Dutch energy transition.
SMRs can make a substantial contribution to CO2 reduction from large-scale industrial processes by providing process heat. The study shows that by 2050, there is room for 2 to more than 13 SMRs. This depends on future industrial activity in the Netherlands, as well as the heat demand of refineries and chemical production plants.
Previous studies on the role of nuclear energy
In the future Dutch energy system, electricity will play a larger role than it does today, and nuclear power plants, including SMRs, can be used to make a significant contribution to electricity production. An earlier TNO scenario study already showed that in an energy system without new nuclear power plants, system costs would be 1% to 2.5% higher than with atomic power. Although nuclear power plants are more expensive than wind turbines and solar panels, the loss of this energy supply must be absorbed with more deployment of flexibility options with relatively high costs, such as energy storage.