Hybrid Small Modular Reactor—Renewable Systems for Smart Cities: A Simulation-Based Assessment for Clean and Resilient Urban Energy Transitions
The global transition to clean energy necessitates integrated solutions that ensure both environmental sustainability and energy security. This paper proposes a scenario-based modeling framework for urban hybrid energy systems combining small modular reactors (SMRs), photovoltaic (PV) generation, an...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Energies |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/15/3993 |
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| Summary: | The global transition to clean energy necessitates integrated solutions that ensure both environmental sustainability and energy security. This paper proposes a scenario-based modeling framework for urban hybrid energy systems combining small modular reactors (SMRs), photovoltaic (PV) generation, and battery storage within a smart grid architecture. SMRs offer compact, low-carbon, and reliable baseload power suitable for urban environments, while PV and storage enhance system flexibility and renewable integration. Six energy mix scenarios are evaluated using a lifecycle-based cost model that incorporates both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and cumulative carbon costs over a 25-year horizon. The modeling results demonstrate that hybrid SMR–renewable systems—particularly those with high nuclear shares—can reduce lifecycle CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by over 90%, while maintaining long-term economic viability under carbon pricing assumptions. Scenario C, which combines 50% SMR, 40% PV, and 10% battery, emerges as a balanced configuration offering deep decarbonization with moderate investment levels. The proposed framework highlights key trade-offs between emissions and capital cost and seeking resilient and scalable pathways to support the global clean energy transition and net-zero commitments. |
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| ISSN: | 1996-1073 |