SMRs and Current Generation Power Reactors - Fuel Cost Comparison

Abstract

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer simple, standardized, factory-built designs for new nuclear reactor construction. Construction cost most SMR projects is not publicly available, but variable costs can be determined from the publicly available parameters of fuel configuration, enrichment, average burn-up, and plant thermal efficiency. This paper calculates the fuel cost of electricity generation for selected SMRs, including calculation for optimal tails assay in the uranium enrichment process. The results are compared between one another and with light and heavy water reactors providing a rough comparison of long-run economics of a new nuclear reactor project.