Analysis of small modular reactor technologies and socio-economic aspects of their application in the Russian Arctic in the era of digital transformation

Abstract

Small modular reactor technologies and social, economic, and technological aspects of their application in the Russian Arctic are considered in the article. An overview of the key factors influencing an implementation of small modular reactor plants in remote regions with a decentralized power grid is presented. The main directions of small modular reactor design activities of the key Russian centers of atomic research and development are given. An overview of current Russian small modular reactor technologies including pressurized water reactors, boiling water reactors, reactors installed on floating nuclear power plants, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, and liquid metal cooled reactor is conducted. Economic, social, ecological, and digital aspects of applications of small modular reactor in the Russian Arctic are considered. A detailed survey of areas of small modular reactor application including extractive, processing, industrial energy-intensive facilities, and power and heat supply of cities is also given. The importance of digital twins of small modular as an essential element in the development and maintenance of complex engineering products and industrial facilities throughout the entire life cycle is discussed in the article. Conclusions about key advantages and prospects of an application of small modular reactors in the Russian Arctic are made.