Nuclear Micro-Reactors for a Carbon-Free Source of Resilient Energy for Remote Forces Bases, Utilities, and Communities in Northern Canada

Abstract

The 21st century is seeing the rise of a nuclear renaissance with the looming threat of irreversible climate change. Innovative Generation IV reactor designs are being investigated to deal with the challenges associated with carbon free power generation in areas such as Northern Canada. The purpose of this study is to asses the power requirements of remote settlements in northern Canada based on their defined permafrost region and from here specify small, medium, and large micro-reactor capacities. By using the Remote Communities Energy Database supplied by Natural Resources Canada, it was determined that micro-reactors with capacities of 250 kW_e, 1000 kW_e, and 5000 kW_e were best suited to meet the varying power demands of these communities. The specified capacity ranges allow for power scaling as well as the ability to follow the important N+M+1 energy resilience strategy. With the power capacities defined, future work will focus on studying the unique geotechnical problems associated permafrost construction.