Application prospects of transportable nuclear energy blocks for decentralized power supply

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper presents an assessment of the economic feasibility of using a small nuclear power plant on the basis of a block-transportable power unit and a floating power unit for solutions the problem of energy supply to consumers in remote Arctic regions. The purpose of this work is to determine the economic feasibility for application of a small nuclear power plant with block-transportable power unit and a small nuclear power plant with floating power unit with a capacity of 6 to 12 MW for power supply to consumers in the remote regions. Materials and methods. The method of this study is economic assessment based on cost analysis. Main results. The paper describes specific technical solutions of block-transportable power unit and floating power unit for small nuclear power plant. The economic feasibility of use of a small nuclear power plant on the basis of the block-transportable power units and floating power unit based of costs comparison (capital and operational) with a diesel-electric station is presented. The cost of organic fuel at which 6-12MW small nuclear power plant becomes cost-efficient is determined. Conclusion. The paper shows that small nuclear power plant based on marine nuclear power plant technology can be considered as one of the options for powering to coastal consumers.