Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy
Grid . The use of highly granular models of actual Grid topologies ( e . g ., the island of Puerto Rico , the Tennessee Valley Authority ’ s service region , the portion of the Grid with the State of Florida , etc .) could begin to bridge the gap between theoretical possibilities and actual rPP / rNPP deployment opportunities and strategies .
Demonstrate rPP / rNPP Technology
Those familiar with the challenges of technology development and deployment know that simulation can be extraordinarily helpful , but it is often not sufficient . Ultimately , something must be built and tested to achieve “ ready to deploy ” technology maturity . The fielding of physical ( as opposed to virtual ) rPP and rNPP technology test beds would do much to move rNPP development forward ( Table 1 Item 3 ). Much relevant and useful work could be done outside the direct nuclear sphere , focusing or generic rPP-Grid interface issues without the need for the reactor ( presuming alignment of rPP and rNPP functionalities as expressed in Table 1 ). Comprehensive rNPP — Grid testbeds would , of course , necessitate the construction and operation of the reactor ( most likely a MMR rNPP ) embedded in a mini- or micro-Grid testbed . Such activities might proceed as public / private sector collaboration or partnership at one or more of DOE ’ s national laboratories . Some proposed SMR demonstration activities could be adapted to function as , or provide a template for , rNPP testbeds . Public / private sector cost sharing , federal innovation prizes , and tax incentives can be effective mechanisms to accelerate these demonstrations .
Develop the Business Case for rNPPs and rCIIs
Quantification of the functional capabilities of rNPPs and rCIIs will , in turn , enable assessment of the economics of , and the business case for rNPP and rCIIs ( Table 5 , Item 4 ). The business case for deployment of an rNPP or an rCII will rest on many factors . These include the capital , operating , and maintenance costs of the rNPP and the rCII , the value of the products ( Grid resilience , resilient electricity and process heat , ancillary Grid services , etc .) provided by the rNPP to its customers ( within or outside an rCII ), and the specific user applications incorporated in a particular rCII . Competition from other alternative rPP technologies will , of course , also be a factor . Can — and if so , how — can rNPPs and rCIIs anchor resilient local and regional economies ? A number of government- and privately-funded studies have been conducted in the U . S . and abroad in recent years to examine the economics of SMRs and Advanced Reactors . Though not aimed at addressing specific rPP / rNPP issues , selected studies provide a template for examining the economic case for deployment of rPPs , rNPPs and rCIIs . These studies also illuminate potential financial incentives that can be constructed to catalyze and enable the development and deployment of rNPPs and rCIIS . Federal , state , and local entities are all stakeholders in this proposition .
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