I'd like to suggest the representation of nuclear power technologies by differentiating them by size (large reactors vs small modular reactors) and by reactor type (PWR, HTGR, etc.), and applying this distinction to both existing and buildable capacity.
Right now, nuclear is modeled as a single generic technology, but there are major differences between different technologies.
Each class has distinct:
- Capital cost (CAPEX);
- O&M cost structure;
- Construction time and modularity;
- Ramp rates and flexibility;
- Applicability (grid baseload vs remote/off-grid, industrial heat, etc.).
A first-level split could distinguish:
- nuclear_large
- nuclear_smr
A second-level refinement could add specific reactor types:
- nuclear_smr_pwr
- nuclear_smr_htgr
This would better reflect current technology trends and allow more detailed modeling of future scenarios – especially given the increasing focus on SMRs in Europe, USA and beyond.
I'd like to suggest the representation of nuclear power technologies by differentiating them by size (large reactors vs small modular reactors) and by reactor type (PWR, HTGR, etc.), and applying this distinction to both existing and buildable capacity.
Right now, nuclear is modeled as a single generic technology, but there are major differences between different technologies.
Each class has distinct:
A first-level split could distinguish:
A second-level refinement could add specific reactor types:
This would better reflect current technology trends and allow more detailed modeling of future scenarios – especially given the increasing focus on SMRs in Europe, USA and beyond.