Small modular reactors in the Dutch energy system - Combined heat and power production in industry

2 to more than 13 SMRs in 2050

SMRs can make a substantial contribution to CO2 reduction from large-scale industrial processes by providing process heat. The study shows that deployment of 2 to more than 13 SMRs in 2050. This depends on future industrial activity in the Netherlands, and the heat demand of, for example, refineries and chemical production plants.

Earlier scenario study

In the future Dutch energy system, electricity will play a larger role than it does today and nuclear power plants, including SMRs, can be used to make a significant contribution to electricity production. An earlier TNO scenario study (pdf) already showed that in an energy system without new nuclear power plants, system costs would be 1% to 2.5% higher than with nuclear power.

Although nuclear power plants are initially more expensive than wind turbines and solar panels, the omission of nuclear power as an energy source would have to be met with deployment of more expensive flexibility options, such as energy storage.