Techno-economic analysis of advanced small modular nuclear reactors

Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) represent a robust opportunity to develop low-carbon and reliable power with the potential meet cost parity conventional systems. This study presents detailed, bottom-up economic evaluation of 12 × 77 MWe (924 total) light-water SMR (LW-SMR) plant, 4 262 (1,048 MWe) gas-cooled (GC-SMR) 5 200 (1,000 molten salt (MS-SMR) plant. Cost estimates are derived from equipment costs, labor hours, material inputs, process-engineering models. The advanced SMRs compared natural gas combined cycle plants without post-combustion carbon capture large reactor. Overnight capital (OCC) levelized energy (LCOE) developed. OCC LW-SMR, GC-SMR, MS-SMR found be $4,844/kW, $4,355/kW, $3,985/kW respectively. LCOE $89.6/MWh, $81.5/MWh, $80.6/MWh A Monte Carlo analysis is performed, for which construction time LW-SMR have lower mean standard deviation than $5,233/kW $658/kW 90 % probability remaining between $4,254/kW $6,399/kW, while duration 4.5 years 0.8 3.4 6.0 years. impact economies scale, simplification, modularization, discussed. Additionally, policy implications direct subsidies tax on emissions explored.