21st Century Civilian Nuclear Power and the Role of Small Modular Reactors
Taso, Firas Eugen
2011
- Submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree of Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Abstract: Nuclear power provides benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions, low operating costs, baseload power, and energy independence. It also raises significant concerns regarding capital cost, safety, regulation, waste, public perception and proliferation. Recently ... read morethere has been renewed interest in nuclear power due to small modular reactors (SMRs), that some argue could bring a �renaissance� of the industry. This thesis first presents an analysis of large-scale nuclear power focusing on benefits and concerns, and then examines the new SMR trend. It assesses whether SMRs are a game-changer for the industry towards nuclear resurgence by analyzing promising models and perceived benefits and costs of SMRs. Based on extensive literature review, 22 expert interviews and economic modeling, the conclusion is that nuclear power as an energy source should be pursued as part of a larger energy portfolio with specific government intervention, while SMRs, although likely not game-changers per se, can play a complementary role in re-inventing the industry without significant support from policy-makers.read less
- ID:
- 3t946263z
- Component ID:
- tufts:UA015.012.079.00002
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
- Usage:
- Detailed Rights
