From Power Technology:
We profile five upcoming nuclear projects from around the world, as nations increasingly turn to the technology to meet decarbonisation targets.
Nuclear power is increasing the world over, with International Energy Agency (IEA) figures showing global energy generation from nuclear sites grew 3.5% in 2021 compared with 2020 levels, recovering from a drop of almost 4% seen as a result of the pandemic. Yet the IEA has also said that current levels are not on track to help reach global decarbonisation targets, and that a doubling in annual capacity will be needed if this goal is to be achieved.
While there has been recent debate over just how green nuclear power is, several nations have already made it a key part of their future energy landscape, with the World Nuclear Association estimating that there are 55 new nuclear reactors under construction around the world. While the majority are planned in Asian countries, nations on almost every continent have such sites in the pipeline, with a total capacity of about 100GW on the horizon for nuclear power projects.
So what are some of the sites set to come online in the next few years? We take a look.
Finland, Olkiluoto 3 (2022)
Finland’s Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor (OL3), a European pressurised water reactor, marks the first newly-commissioned nuclear plant that the nation has seen in over 40 years. The much-delayed unit commenced critical functions in December last year, with complete integration to the national grid anticipated at the end of this month – though updates on an exact start date have not yet been confirmed.The project was initially scheduled to open in 2009, however technical difficulties saw continued delays and a loss of around $2.8bn, with commissioning finally confirmed in 2014.
According to the site’s operator, Teollisuuden Voima (TVO), OL3 is “Finland’s greatest climate act”, using lessons from French and German plants N4 and Konvoi to ensure maximum safety and reliability. Once fully operational, the unit will meet 14% of the country’s electricity demand, with a net electrical output of around 1,600MW.
The site joins the OL1 and OL2 units, located at the western side of Olkiluoto island, with combined capacity from the three units contributing 30% of Finland’s electricity generation.
Nuclear power makes up a significant portion of Finland’s energy mix, with GlobalData estimates showing that consumption has increased by an average of 2.6% per year over the past decade, rising to reach 103.3TWh in 2020. As the majority of Finland’s nuclear power has to be imported, the successful establishment of OL3 is hoped to drive domestic value and improve the nation’s energy security.
Argentina, Carem (2023)
The Central Argentina de Elementos Modulares (CAREM) project is Argentina’s first domestically-designed and developed nuclear power unit, with around 70% of components sourced from local manufacturers. The prototype unit is expected to have an initial output of 25MW, expected to be followed by a larger version, 100MWe or possibly 200MWe, in the northern Formosa province....
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