2024-08-23 06:30:11
After decades of gigantism, the nuclear industry now wants to focus on smaller, modular, less expensive and easier to build reactors. A frantic race for small nuclear reactors (SMRs) has thus been launched. But if demand is strong, competition is also fierce! On July 1, after suffering several setbacks, EDF decided to completely review its NUWARD™ SMR project.
In a article from the New FactoryLudovic Dupin, director of information at the French Nuclear Energy Society (Sfen) supports EDF’s decision and even describes it as “brave and healthy”car “The reactor was not ready to meet the market and the demands of European prospects. »
According to him, “Returning to a simpler model of classic boiler will de-risk the project and save time later”.
A desire to move forward in a more serene manner
The first Nuward model is due to be launched in 2030. While this turnaround may appear to be a failure today, it mainly reflects a desire not to rush headlong into something, particularly when negative signals are piling up and the current design does not seem to be unanimous. Two recent examples: in May, Poland selected Rolls-Royce to build three SMRs. In June, it was Sweden’s Vattenfall that announced its preference for the solutions from Rolls-Royce and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, despite promising statements from the Swedish Prime Minister a year earlier.
Because the development of these mini-reactors is a complex matter. There are of course multiple technological challenges, but also strong competition, particularly with the Chinese, Russians and Americans. However, with 80 projects of this type listed worldwide, it is important for EDF to keep a cool head and move forward calmly, making the best decisions when they are needed.
However, it is understandable that with a development cost that is close to a billion eurosEDF wants to maximize its chances of success. By choosing to focus on proven technologies, EDF will therefore play the card of maximum reliability, which could also allow it to differentiate itself from its many competitors!
Let’s hope that this pragmatic decision will allow EDF to stay in the SMR race.
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