Exploring Synergy Among New Generation Technologies—Small Modular Reactor, Energy Storage, and Distributed Generation: A Strong Case for Remote Communities

Abstract

With a steady rise in power demand in the remote communities in Canada, utilities are looking for new options to provide a reliable supply of electricity. While distributed generation is a promising option, scaling and firming up the capacity of distributed generators is essential. Alternatively, small modular reactors (SMRs) can be used as a prime local source of electricity for remote feeders provided they are flexible enough to respond to the fluctuations in demand. Electrical energy storage (EES) can be used as a buffer to absorb fluctuations in demand and generation, and as a critical back-up for the SMR on-site power supply system by replacing the diesel-generator sets. The synergy of SMR-EES-distributed generation can be an all-inclusive alternative with win-win situation for both the utility and remote communities. This paper discusses the technical feasibility of the proposed synergy using an example of an existing remote feeder in Saskatchewan, Canada. The integral pressurized water reactor is considered along with the photovoltaic (PV) generation in an existing remote feeder in Northwest Saskatchewan to estimate the plant load factor (LF) of the SMR with and without the PV generation and EES. The results quantify the benefit of having EES to support the SMR in hosting more PV generation in remote communities. EES when used in support of the SMR to host 60% PV penetration, the plant load factor improves by as much as 5%.