GridReserve, Technical Feasibility, and Economics of a Hybrid Small Modular Reactor and Low Carbon Thermal Energy Storage Facility to Enable Nuclear as a Peaking Plant

Abstract

Internationally, concern has grown over the lack of effectiveness of energy solutions to fight climate change. The most common approach to date involves the deployment of intermittent renewable energy sources and gas as a back-up. This paper presents the technical feasibility and economics of GridReserve® thermal energy storage used in combination with the Stable Salt Reactor (SSR). GridReserve® enables gigawatt-hours of thermal storage so electricity can be generated during sustained periods of no wind or sunshine. Installed capacity costs can be as a low as a gas fired power plant, which could ultimately lower the total ‘all up’ costs of renewables and reduce rate payer bills. Where most Small Modular Reactors (SMR) reduce power output to provide flexible electricity, GridReserve® allows the SSR to continue running at full power while putting several times more power onto the grid for shorter durations.