Small nuclear energy sources are nearing commercialization, with first demonstration systems expected to be online in the mid- to late-2020s. These so-called microreactors have attributes that align with diverse end-users like remote communities, industrial clusters, and military installations. They are also of interest for district energy networks as they are right-sized for many of these loads, and provide inherent safety in physics, allowing co-siting with end-users. This presentation will survey the microreactor technologies and designs closest to commercialization which may have direct application to district energy markets for decarbonizing by 2035.
Dan Moneghan, Technical Leader, EPRI