A Study on Integrating SMRs into Uganda’s Future Energy System

Abstract

Uganda is looking forward to diversifying its energy system to sustainably meet the present and future energy needs. To achieve this, the country is embarking on a nuclear power program to construct large nuclear reactors, although this would increase Uganda’s electricity generation capacity, huge investments in construction and grid expansion required presents a big challenge considering the small size of Uganda’s economy and grid. Luckily, emerging new nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) can address these challenges due their enhanced features that are compatible with Uganda’s energy system. SMRs having smaller capacities means that they would reduce the total investment costs in construction and also fit Uganda’s small electric grid. In this study, the methodology followed two approaches to examine the best strategies to integrate SMRs into Uganda’s future energy system, that is, the model for energy supply strategy alternatives and their general environmental impacts (MESSAGE) code and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) economic competitiveness analysis parameter. The results of analysis reveal that SMRs can play a key role in the future energy mix by contributing 13% to the total electricity generation. Additionally, the LCOE value of the SMRs was 78.01 $/MWh, which is competitive with large nuclear reactors with an LCOE value of 79.77 $/MWh and significantly lower than the LCOE of biomass, peat, and thermal energies. In conclusion, this study justified Uganda’s need to invest in SMRs considering the country’s energy security needs, future energy mix diversification goals, and national financial environment.