Methodology

In this report, independent estimates of the cost of generating electricity (LUEC) on NPPs with SMRs (PWR type) were performed using the scaling-law methodology and the numerical estimates of the various factors affecting the competitiveness of SMRs. This approach is schematically summarised in Figure E.3.

Figure E.3. Methodology for independent LUEC estimates

Capital costs for relevant NPPs with large reactors (USD per kWe)

Economy of Scale (scaling law): Cost(P1)=Cost(P0)(P1/P0)n P0,P1 — power, n — scaling law parameter

Other factors affecting the competitiveness of SMRs:

— Design simplification

— Shorter construction period

— FOAK effect and multiple units

_________ — Factory fabrication, learning_________________________

Output of the calculation: Capital costs for SMRs (USD/kWe) Assumptions on the costs of O&M, fuel, and decomissioning

Estimates of LUEC (USD/MWh)

Because of the approximate nature of the methodology[4] and sparse input data, the estimates were performed for some “model” designs (denoted as PWR-X, where X stands for the electric output), rather than for the actual advanced SMR design concepts. For the purpose of this study these “model” PWR-X are assumed to belong to the same or similar technology families and the only variable parameters are the electric output X and the deployment strategy.

The electric output values and the deployment strategies for the PWR-X (see Table E.2) were inspired by the advanced SMR designs listed in Table E.1. For each PWR-X a relevant large nuclear reactor was selected. The cost data for this large reactor was used as an input data for the calculation of the investment cost of the PWR-X using the scaling law approximation (see Figure E.3). Next, the estimates of the O&M and fuel costs are added, and finally an estimate of LUEC for the PWR-X is obtained.

Table E.2. Advanced SMRs (PWRs) for which the LUEC estimates were performed

PWR-90SL			SMART	APR-1400
PWR-90(1) single module plant		90	Korea	Korea

PWR-35TB PWR-35 twin-unit barge-mounted

70

KLT-40S Russia

SMART Korea

VVER-1150 Russia

OPR-1000 Korea

PWR-125ML	„.J*		mPower	Advanced Gen. III+
PWR-125 five module plant	<Л Л	625	USA	USA

PWR-90SL PWR-90(2) single module plant

90

VBER-300 Russia

VVER-1150 Russia

PWR-302TL	— —		VBER-300	VVER-1150
PWR-302 twin-unit land-based		604	Russia	Russia
PWR-335TTL	л д		IRIS	Advanced Gen. III+
PWR-335 two twin-units	Л	1 340	USA	USA

PWR-302TB PWR-302 twin-unit barge-mounted

604