Carbon neutrality strategy with small modular reactor-based hybrid energy system: A case study for a small Island and isolated power grid

Abstract

As the threat of climate change intensifies, various efforts are being made to achieve carbon neutrality. Decarbonization across all industries, especially in the power generation sector, is a critical aspect to be considered. The introduction of renewable energy sources and an increase in their installed capacity in the power grid is essential to achieve carbon neutrality in the power generation sector. However, the expansion of renewable energy sources increases the vulnerability of the power grid due to their intermittent and variable characteristics and requires high levels of load-following performance from other power sources. In this study, we propose a hybrid energy system using nuclear (especially small modular reactors)-based hydrogen production, as an alternative solution for achieving carbon neutrality. The feasibility of the proposed hybrid energy system model was analyzed for the small Island isolated grid systems with simplified multi-physics simulation. The performance analysis results demonstrate that the proposed small modular reactor-hydrogen-based hybrid system can reliably meet grid demands while producing an annual surplus of 10,320.96 tons of hydrogen with reduced potential risk of thermo-mechanical-related component failures in the plant. The results of the current study can be expected to provide a significant milestone and insight into the achievement of carbon neutrality and a transition to a hydrogen economy, utilizing small modular reactor-based hydrogen production technology.