In the current world energy scenario, the shortage of energy carriers and the low energy efficiency of industrial processes in Latin America have sharpened productive competitiveness in this region. In this context, do you consider that Small Modular Reactors (SMR) can be an energy alternative for Latin American nations? Please argue your answer. I really appreciate your collaboration.
They certainly can, especially for those Latinamerican countries which already have experience with conventional nuclear reactors (Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico). Their main advantage is that they already have nuclear technology infrastructure, and the implementation of this new concept will be more accessible. Nevertheless, other countries without this experience can still benefit from the SMR concept. They can be more easily adapted to their national grid than the large Nuclear Power Plants, and the safety and non-proliferation requirements are less complex. In my view, SMRs can be a good energy alternative for many developing nations.
Dear Debrayan Bravo Hidalgo ,
I am really glad that you introduced this topic for discussion. I am perfectly aware of how controversial the use of nuclear energy for peaceful uses is. However, as scientists, we have an obligation to analyze and share our knowledge on this and other complex issues. I thank you for this initiative, and I hope that many colleagues contribute with their expertise and constructive opinions.
Dear Carlos Rodríguez-Monroy , I thank you very much for your excellent response to this discussion. I am very grateful for his participation. I ask you in the most restrained way, please recommend this discussion. Thanks a lot.
If I agree with this statement even more so when these types of reactors have greater adaptability capacity as well as lower investment cost, making their implementation more feasible in not so robust economies. But I would ask you what is being done in unison to try to ensure better management of those same energetic carriers?
As Armando Díaz Concepción realistically points out we need to question what is being done. In my opinion not enough yet. However, a relevant advance has been made in the European Union proposing the use of nuclear power and natural gas as necessary contributors to succeed in the energy transition of some countries. Ignoring these two energy sources and relying only on non-conventional renewable energy would make the transition more difficult if not impossible to achieve.
In this line you will find a very interesting publication that provides valid criteria and information related to this subject.
https://energytransition.org/2016/09/has-nuclear-power-been-abandoned-latin-america/
The scientific contribution that appears as an attached file will be of great value in this discussion. I hope it is useful for everyone.
Yes it can be. Because SMRs provide simplicity of design, enhanced safety features, the economics and quality afforded by factory production, and more flexibility (financing, siting, sizing, and end-use applications) compared to larger nuclear power plants. Additional modules can be added incrementally as demand for energy increases.
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