Roundtable Discussion; The Future of Mineral Sands. Watch the video here.
I think you miss interpreted why I have shared that section of the text followed by ............... I was highlighting the technological innovation that is a beer keg sized power generator that has enough hops to power 2500 homes eventually cruising through the skies above. You only have to look at my post history to ascertain if i'm a deramper or not - it's not rocket science, even that's pretty straight forward these days.
At its heart is a generator – no bigger than a beer keg – that has to deliver 2.5MW, enough electrical power to supply 2,500 homes. And, in an aerospace industry with strict standards, it has to do that safely and reliably.......
The issue will always be whether it gains traction and tbh finding the right locations within the UK (planning) - the real opportunity will be the export market imo as per the start of the thread and being one of the world's leaders in production of SMRs in the Ikea Flat Pack form!!
I'm not saying it's going to be cheap - I'm saying that compared to building a traditional nuclear reactor the capex investment is considerably cheaper over time. I'm pretty sure that RR as an organisation would be much more versed as to the construction capabilities before pushing a modular narrative considering they've been building nuclear facilities and solutions since the 1950s. Industry Standard UO2, existing compatibility with infrastructure and systems have all been mentioned as part of the modular programme and I think I read 85 -95% plant factory fabricated on RR literature.
The price of electricity from an SMR is heavily dependent on the financing cost of the plant but clearly provides long term price certainty and efficiency. The current model is looking likely between the middle band of £35 - 60 MWh - with the modular production bringing capital costs down as it's rolled out in a fleet style.
Cost of Elec (£/MWh) = (capital + total O&M + decom + fuel costs + financing cost) / Power Generating potential x Capacity Factor.
LCOE parity with a NOAK large reactor could be achieved at 5GWe of deployment, assuming factory build of 10 units a year in the future and just think one factory = 1 and a half football pitches all built in a factory, in sane levels of construction efficiency.
I'd happily pay more, only after the RR SP matches it though!
Also worth nothing, something I had forgotten - RR working on the fusion agenda also.
https://m.engineeringnews.co.za/article/rolls-royce-to-help-develop-nuclear-fusion-energy-in-the-uk-2020-06-04/rep_id:5581?__twitter_impression=true
Well based on the fact SMRs are inherently safer option than traditional Nuclear Power Reactors then yes I wouldnt have a problem with a modular reactor nearby to boost our national energy security.
Totally agree and the added wildcard of a streamlined RR now R+Ding nuclear solutions for space, both propulsion and reactors, within the ever growing $158bn global space sector is 100% not factored in from a LT pov.
https://www.power-technology.com/features/beyond-the-grid-how-small-modular-nuclear-reactors-could-deliver-direct-power/
The consortium is aiming to roll out 10-15 SMRs while planning for an export market, which is estimated at $328bn according to the company....
Most of us already knew Testbed 80 was due to open and its role for testing future engines including the future-proofing of Testbed 80 includes installing technology that can test hybrid or all-electric flight systems. There is also a 140,000 litre fuel tank for different fuel types, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Ultra Fan once testing finishes in 2022 is on hold until the market changes for narrow body segment.
https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-project-sunrise-future
At least post the link.
https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2021/18-01-2021-rr-supplies-mtu-gas-engines-for-worlds-first-lng-tugboat-with-hybrid-system.aspx
The LNG-hybrid propulsion system will be able to provide flexibility to cater for various operational modes and is able to switch between low emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines and zero-emission battery power.
https://physicstoday.scitation.org/do/10.1063/PT.6.2.20201223a/full/
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/news/2044592-rolls-royce-marks-landmark-on-90m-testbed