SMRs in district heating : case Oulu

Abstract

This bachelor's thesis is a literature review of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) and their potential use in district heating networks. The aim of the study is to integrate the available general information about the currently available technology and, through this, consider potential use of small modular nuclear power plants in district heating, using the Oulu region as a case study.

Small modular nuclear reactors are a highly possible future energy source. With climate change, it is increasingly important to find low-emission energy production methods. District heating production requires large amounts of energy in Finland, making it crucial where this energy is produced and how much emissions it generates. Nuclear power production does not produce carbon dioxide emissions during the production phase, which would reduce the carbon footprint of energy production. The size of SMR plants allows them to be located closer to settlements and urban areas, which would reduce heat losses during transportation and thus improve the efficiency of heat production.

Small nuclear power plants produce heat consistently in the same amount, and regulating the amount of energy they produce is very difficult. This creates a challenge because the energy requirements for district heating vary depending on the time of day and the season. Oulu's cool climate creates a significant difference in summer and winter district heating needs.