The potential of small modular reactors in industrial decarbonization : case studies for SSAB, Outokumpu and Kokkola Industrial Park
Zhao, Buyu (2025-04-15)
B. Zhao
15.04.2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202504152690
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202504152690
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this thesis was to review the energy consumption of Finnish industries, and to assess what share of it could be electrified or decarbonized by hydrogen. In particular, the thesis investigates if small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) could be the source of electricity and hydrogen to this effect. The potential of decarbonization is evaluated through three case studies of energy-intensive industries. Further, the thesis reviews the challenges and limitations of deploying SMRs, including economic, social and technical constraints.
In the theory part, the thesis reviews the energy consumption and associated greenhouse gases emissions of Finnish industries, especially due to fossil fuel consumption. The review focuses on the technology industry, chemical industry and forestry industry, and their decarbonization roadmaps based on industries federation’s research and publications. Further, the current state of SMR development is outlined, with special focus on LDR-50 SMR design under development in Finland. The differences between conventional nuclear power reactors and SMRs are also illustrated. Additionally, the challenges or limitations of deploying SMRs are identified, including investment costs, social acceptance, legislative gaps and other technological limitations. The costs of SMRs are still high and construction times of demonstration sites are delayed, which hinders further commercialization.
In the experimental part, three case studies are evaluated based on the green transition roadmaps of the companies; SSAB Raahe factory, Outokumpu Tornio plant, and Kokkola Industrial Park. The focus is thus on the metallurgy sector and technology industry, where there is the highest potential of decarbonization by SMRs. In the case of Kokkola Industrial Park, the assessment is done from the perspective of Kokkolan Energia due to lack of publicly available data.
The results show that one micro-reactor PWR-20 is sufficient for Kokkolan Energia, to meet the industrial and district heat demand of Kokkola Industrial Park and Kokkola municipality. When it comes to SSAB Raahe, three to four DF300 or GTHTR300 can cover the electric power and thermal power demand of SSAB Raahe. As for Outokumpu, at least two 300MW reactors are needed with excessive heat generation, such as DF300, GTHTR300, or PWRX-300.
The thesis concludes that the high costs and long construction times of SMRs limit their potential for industrial decarbonization. In terms of public acceptance, the general attitudes toward SMRs are positive in Finland, however, people are more vary about a close location of SMRs to municipalities. Finally, renewing Finnish legislation on nuclear power made accommodations to SMRs, but technological evaluations on safety will still be necessary, to pave the way for SMRs in the future.
In the theory part, the thesis reviews the energy consumption and associated greenhouse gases emissions of Finnish industries, especially due to fossil fuel consumption. The review focuses on the technology industry, chemical industry and forestry industry, and their decarbonization roadmaps based on industries federation’s research and publications. Further, the current state of SMR development is outlined, with special focus on LDR-50 SMR design under development in Finland. The differences between conventional nuclear power reactors and SMRs are also illustrated. Additionally, the challenges or limitations of deploying SMRs are identified, including investment costs, social acceptance, legislative gaps and other technological limitations. The costs of SMRs are still high and construction times of demonstration sites are delayed, which hinders further commercialization.
In the experimental part, three case studies are evaluated based on the green transition roadmaps of the companies; SSAB Raahe factory, Outokumpu Tornio plant, and Kokkola Industrial Park. The focus is thus on the metallurgy sector and technology industry, where there is the highest potential of decarbonization by SMRs. In the case of Kokkola Industrial Park, the assessment is done from the perspective of Kokkolan Energia due to lack of publicly available data.
The results show that one micro-reactor PWR-20 is sufficient for Kokkolan Energia, to meet the industrial and district heat demand of Kokkola Industrial Park and Kokkola municipality. When it comes to SSAB Raahe, three to four DF300 or GTHTR300 can cover the electric power and thermal power demand of SSAB Raahe. As for Outokumpu, at least two 300MW reactors are needed with excessive heat generation, such as DF300, GTHTR300, or PWRX-300.
The thesis concludes that the high costs and long construction times of SMRs limit their potential for industrial decarbonization. In terms of public acceptance, the general attitudes toward SMRs are positive in Finland, however, people are more vary about a close location of SMRs to municipalities. Finally, renewing Finnish legislation on nuclear power made accommodations to SMRs, but technological evaluations on safety will still be necessary, to pave the way for SMRs in the future.
Kokoelmat
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