Operational environment of small modular reactors in Finland

Abstract

This master’s thesis is an overview of small modular reactors (SMR) and their operational environment in Finland, commissioned by the consulting company Elomatic Oy. The aim was to investigate SMR technologies and considerations for their possible domestic deployment. The scope of the study is on the initial stages of such a project, up until a construction license is applied for. Focus is especially placed on legislation, due to the regulatory process being a known challenge in nuclear projects, and the timeliness of Finland’s nuclear regulatory update.

A literary review studying nuclear power production using pressurized and boiling water reactors is presented, followed by an overview of two promising SMR technologies, the BWRX-300 and the LDR-50. Both have received interest domestically and abroad. Next, the Canadian, Polish and Finnish nuclear regulatory frameworks are reviewed. The first two have SMR projects that are currently moving forward, with the BWRX-300 chosen as the technology to be deployed. This section provides insight into how the legal process has been adapted to accommodate for SMRs, with Canadian regulation taking SMRs into account specifically, while Poland has decided to deploy the first reactors using the current legislation for conventional large plants.

A hypothetical case study was created based on the literary review as well as semistructured interviews with five experts, including two representatives of Finnish nuclear regulatory authorities and three from Finnish companies that have in some capacity been involved with SMR projects. The case study centers on an industrial company collaborating with an energy company to build an SMR for combined heat and electricity production. Contents of the interview responses are presented concurrently, with major themes being the development of business models, stakeholder identification andcooperation, technology supplier choices and legislation. A run-through of the potential licensing process of an SMR up to the construction license is presented, using the updated legislation.

The semi-structured interviews gave general insights into the current mindset regarding SMRs. Potential is seen, but questions remain concerning funding, licensing, public acceptance, and the timeframe of projects. Preliminary studies have focused on economic models, licensability, feasibility of technologies and suppliers, and operational models. A call exists for centralized solutions for plant operation and waste management due to a lack of nuclear expertise in many companies interested in building SMRs. Although SMRs are expected to have lower investment costs, financing and potential risks are considered a major hurdle. Ideally multiple companies would be involved, and new partnership models to accomplish these projects are necessary and being studied.

Changes in licensing that are expected to be beneficial include the general streamlining and removal of detailedness from regulations and making guidelines descriptive rather than prescriptive. Major changes include redefining the emergency planning zone for nuclear plants, and creating new processes for separate, early licensing of sites and technology, which could be applied for by different parties. Companies seem satisfied with the direction of the update, although work is still ongoing, and some things remain unclear.