China has announced the discovery of an extremely powerful energy source. While this announcement may seem like a form of sensationalism, China is pursuing safer and far more efficient generation of energy utilizing nuclear technology. With this nuclear technology, China may very well achieve all of its set net-zero goals.
Understanding SMRs and noting the focus on SMRs
So, what may initially seem like a hyperbole may very well be a shift in a new direction in terms of global energy technology. The big revelation came with progress made on a novel small nuclear reactor called the Small Modular Reactor (SMR), which is a compact and highly advanced system. The first-ever commercial above-ground SMR has been created in Hainan province and is known as Linglong-1. China will thus test this SMR technology beyond the borders and will begin testing in Southeast Asia.
SMRs are said to be nuclear reactors able to produce up to 300 megawatts of electricity (MWe), which is one-third of the capacity of traditional nuclear plants. Despite producing less power, the SMRs offer advantages in safety and flexibility. What makes SMRs so attractive is their integrated design that contains the fuel system and the steam generation in a compact, singular module. The beauty part is that most SMRs can shut down and still continue programming even without any electricity.
The uranium fuel that is used by these reactors is rather widely available. With the fuel, the SMR can continuously operate for 24 months before another refueling is needed. While output may fall short in comparison to other energy generators, the output concerning its size must be commended. This output produced has earned the SMRs the endearment, “extreme energy”.
Testing to start in Thailand first
Thailand has stood out as one of the key players to put China’s SMR technology to the test. It was a recent announcement from Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT) that mentioned the country is looking at several SMR options as per its energy transformation strategy. As has been stated by the EGAT governor, Thepparat Theppitak, these SMRs may very well be key in securing a low-carbon future for Thailand and ensuring that sustainable yet affordable energy is produced.
Thailand understands that since natural gas reserves are on the decline, power sources need to be diversified as much as possible. In opting for diversification of energy, SMRs stand central to the equation. While the focus remains on green hydrogen (and not at all on black hydrogen), the core premise of SMRs has been included in all of the green technology discussions thus far.
SMRs demand a mere 1km space for emergency planning and hence serve as an urban and industrial solution where space limitation is not considered a factor.
China’s collaboration with Thailand: A stepping stone towards a cleaner energy future
With the interest in SMRs increasing, it is Thailand that is looking forward to a future that entails relying on SMRs. Thailand’s nuclear program, which got delayed, has paved new avenues towards finding nuclear solutions, and Thailand’s collaboration with China may show advancement being made towards nuclear technology adoption.
China is looking to export its SMR solution, but China is also looking to become the leader of nuclear innovations. While SMRs are in the early stages of development, they prove to be more expensive to build in comparison to gas-powered plants. However, the advantages of SMRs surely do outweigh the cost factor incurred in manufacturing them. SMRs offer a lifetime of operational costs, performance for up to 10 years, and low emissions.
China surely does have an “extreme energy” solution, and China is looking to test this solution outside of its country while possibly sharing its solution globally. Should America still be declaring war against China since China is proving yet again that they are taking the lead in the clean energy game?
