I've seen quite a few SMR proposals over the last couple of years and not a single one that dared to address the whole cycle from deployment to eventual decommission as a function of the total revenues - costs to operate. Most of these projects seem to be made to bilk investors or governments rather than to actually produce power. The day Italy produces the first KWh that is net profitable to the operators without counting subsidies I will be highly amazed, and that's assuming they get to operational in the first place.
I agree with the sentiment of your post. In short: "I'll believe it when then finally build and operate one."
About decommission: (segway first) When the United States Navy decommissions nuclear submarines (and there are a lot!), they basically chop out the nuclear reactor whole, then seal in a giant steel box, and bury it in an open trench. It called "Trench 94" at Hanford Site, Washington (state). You can read about it here[1]. The photos are weirdly dystopian. You can also see it on Google Maps here[2].
How do small modular reactors (SMRs) plan to decommission? Can they follow a similar route as the US Navy? Honestly, I don't know if the size is comparable, or if "sealed in a big steel box" will also work for SMRs.
jacquesm · · focus · HN ↗
throwaway2037 · · focus · HN ↗
About decommission: (segway first) When the United States Navy decommissions nuclear submarines (and there are a lot!), they basically chop out the nuclear reactor whole, then seal in a giant steel box, and bury it in an open trench. It called "Trench 94" at Hanford Site, Washington (state). You can read about it here[1]. The photos are weirdly dystopian. You can also see it on Google Maps here[2].
How do small modular reactors (SMRs) plan to decommission? Can they follow a similar route as the US Navy? Honestly, I don't know if the size is comparable, or if "sealed in a big steel box" will also work for SMRs.
[1] <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a46065875/trench-94-naval-reactor-disposal-site/" rel="nofollow">https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a46065875/trench-9...
[2] <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/JJSQXzdiA4qTyYZt5" rel="nofollow">https://maps.app.goo.gl/JJSQXzdiA4qTyYZt5