Synergy of a Small Modular Reactor for Addressing Remote Communities Non-Nuclear Waste

Abstract

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a popular topic with a significant number of designs with a wide range of sizes. The motivation of this type of work is to find alternative uses for the SMRs so that the thermal energy is more effectively used and hence the SMR is more economical. This work is similar in that it studies the synergy that might exist between a remote community and the SMR. Most work for SMRs is related to remote communities with the impact as one-way, that is the benefit of the SMR to the community yet the SMR is a separate plant. The consideration here is that the SMR could be used to burn the nonnuclear waste products of the community and return useful products. An example is the plastics generated by the community can be converted into usable synthetic fuel, such as kerosene, by using the heat energy of the SMR. The SMR then has a dependency on the community waste stream. In this manner, the environmental load of the community is reduced yet the community also obtains a locally produced fuel that could be used for heating or transport outside of the community. Considering that diesel fuel costs can be extremely high in remote communities, methods to reduce the fuel costs, including the manufacture of their own fuel, can result in a synergistic or symbiotic relationship between the community and the SMR and the community can then have a centralized energy area for supporting neighboring communities.