The Small Modular Reactor types and their installation in the Hungarian electricity system

Abstract

The nuclear industry introduced a new option in the 2000s, next to the large reactors appeared smaller power, compact reactor concepts: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These would be installed to remote areas with smaller electricity grids, which are isolated and have poor infrastructure. Currently, more than 10 countries have developed over 50 different SMR designs. There is a strong competition between China, the US, Russia, South Korea and Argentina. The SMR concepts of these countries seem to be realized first, so mainly these have been examined in this paper. After learning about the different types of SMRs, I studied the Hungarian electricity system and the Hungarian power plants. It became clear that our power plants are not enough to cover the electrical power demand of our country and the difference must be imported, which makes up almost 30% of the country's electricity demand. This is a serious risk for the constant security of electricity supply. Our major power plants will be shut down in the 2030's, so it can be said that our power plants are aging. For these reasons, there is a clear need for new investments in this field. The main objective of this paper to answer the question, whether the old coal-fired power plants in Hungary could be technically replaceable and economically worthwhile to install by Small Modular Reactors.