Thermal design of small modular reactors in northern regions

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are increasingly recognized as safer and more flexible alternatives to conventional nuclear power plants in today’s industry. Their safety and flexibility, coupled with their lower time and capital investment requirements, make SMRs an ideal choice for clean energy in Canada’s remote communities. These communities are currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels, and transitioning to clean energy sources like SMRs will be essential for Canada to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. However, the application of SMR technology in permafrost regions affected by climate change raises concerns. Permafrost degradation can cause serious deformations and settlements, which can result in elevated maintenance costs and reduced durability of SMR infrastructure. With a warming climate, the traditional civil engineering approach of assuming climate stationarity is unreliable for ensuring safe and durable infrastructure. Therefore, a non-stationary climatic approach must be considered. This article presents a heat transfer model for permafrost foundations and investigates the combined effects of heat loss via SMRs and global warming on permafrost degradation. By examining the interaction between SMRs and permafrost degradation, the article sheds light on the potential risks and challenges associated with the use of SMRs in permafrost regions.