Menu
Menu
Menu
A small but bullish band of researchers are developing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to provide firm low-carbon electricity in a decentralised, flexible power system. But time to make an impact on the energy transition is running out
SMR technology remains unproven and susceptible to the same cost and delays issues facing traditional nuclear generation, which is clinging on to its market share
THEORETICAL POTENTIAL Supporters demonstrate the benefits small modular reactors have over traditional nuclear plants but they remain an unproven technology
INCOMPATIBLE GENERATION Nuclear and renewable energy programmes tend not to co-exist well together
KEY QUOTE If it’s not cheap and flexible, what’s the point? ...
Try FORESIGHT - 30 days for €29
Batteries score in their ability to rapidly inject bursts of electricity into the grid, but demand for the service is not greater in countries furthest ahead in transitioning to renewable energy
The ups and downs in demand for electricity have long made the flexible operation of power systems a must, so increasing that flexibility to also accommodate variations in supply from renewables is not that big a challenge. Having a clear definition of the term can only help the energy transition
Two antipodean countries, two different approaches to the low-carbon transition. While New Zealand is starting to lead from the top-down, Australia still lacks clear national policies with a patchwork of approaches to decarbonisation remaining the order of the day
Natural gas has not yet reached its peak in the US, but the summit is in view
The nuclear sector wants to cash in on the emerging demand for low-carbon energy by powering hydrogen electrolysis, but not everyone is convinced the industry’s arguments stack up
Japan is one of more than 130 nations pledging to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, its path may be more complicated than anticipated given Japan’s reliance on both fossil fuels following public scepticism over nuclear power
Plotting past trends in the cost of electricity clearly shows the way forward
