"Small modular reactors could play an important role and contribute to the Dutch energy transition, a joint report by NRG-Pallas and TNO concludes. The study shows that there is room for more than 13 SMRs in 2050.

The study, the partners said, utilises "NRG-Pallas' expertise in innovative reactor technologies and TNO's energy system model OPERA".

Two scenarios drawn up by TNO were used in this study: ADAPT and TRANSFORM. These scenarios are based on different visions of the future for the Dutch energy system. In both visions, the aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050.

In order to investigate the sensitivity of the results with respect to boundary conditions and assumptions, a few 'what-if' analyses were performed. These what-if analyses examined whether investment in and use of SMRs change when input parameters are varied.

"The results show that SMRs have a role to play in the Dutch energy transition," the study says. "The optimal contribution of SMRs to 2050 was calculated for various assumptions about future society. The results show that two to more than 13 SMRs (of 150 MWe) can be deployed with room for further expansion of this number in 2050."

It adds: "These results are contingent on policy objectives, expected market availability and realisation periods. If constraints on the potential deployment capacity are partially lifted, as is done in some of the what-if analyses, it is observed that there may even be room for more than 27 SMRs (of 150 MWe). This what-if analysis result can be interpreted as a more economically optimal solution, but is obviously conditional on the aforementioned aspects used to define the potential limits for the scenarios being sufficiently adjusted to allow for this to occur.

"On the other hand, with delayed introduction of SMRs or no nuclear at all, a carbon neutral energy system in 2050 is possible as well. The exact optimum depends mainly on the future of industry, and more specifically on the future heat demand from activities such as refineries and (bio-)aromatics production, and the degree of electrification in society. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that SMRs are an important option for decarbonisation of the industry by supplying process heat."

An earlier scenario study by TNO showed that in an energy system without new nuclear power plants, the system costs are 1% to 2.5% higher than with nuclear energy. "Although nuclear power plants are initially more expensive than wind turbines and solar panels, the loss of nuclear energy as an energy supply should be compensated for by greater use of more expensive flexibility options, such as energy storage," NRG-Pallas noted.

In April 2023, in its draft Climate Fund for 2024, the Dutch government budgeted funds totalling EUR320 million (USD352 million) for the development of nuclear energy. The funds will be used for the preparation of the operational extension of the existing Borssele nuclear power plant, the construction of two new large reactors, the development of small modular reactors and for nuclear skills development in the Netherlands.

In August 2022, the UK's Rolls-Royce SMR signed an exclusive agreement with ULC-Energy to collaborate on the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR power plants in the Netherlands. ULC-Energy - established in 2021 and based in Amsterdam - aims to accelerate decarbonisation in the Netherlands by developing nuclear energy projects that efficiently integrate with residential and industrial energy networks in the country."

#Nuclear #News #Netherlands #SMR

world-nuclear-news.org/article…

SMRs to help decarbonise Dutch energy system, study concludes

Small modular reactors could play an important role and contribute to the Dutch energy transition, a joint report by NRG-Pallas and TNO concludes. The study shows that there is room for more than 13 SMRs in 2050. ;

^{World Nuclear News}

Thursday, November 7

Russia’s war against Ukraine

Consequences of a drone attack on Kyiv in the Pechersk district of the city, November 7, 2024. (Telegram/DSNS of Kyiv)

Zelensky congratulates Trump on US election victory. "I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine," Zelensky wrote.

Biden administration rushing to deliver $6 billion in remaining aid to Ukraine ahead of Trump's inauguration, Politico reports. Two administration officials told Politico that the White House plans to expedite the weapons delivery amid concerns that a future Trump administration would halt weapons shipments before they reach Kyiv.

Russian drone attack on Kyiv damages buildings, causes fires in five districts. Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv overnight on Nov. 6, striking a residential building as well as an auto repair shop in the capital, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported.

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Ukraine's gas production highest since full-scale invasion's start. According to EXPRO’s calculations, gross natural gas production rose by 2.3% in October 2024 compared to the same month last year, reaching 1.663 billion cubic meters, the highest level since January 2022.

Zelensky to visit Hungary for European Political Community Summit. "We will discuss security challenges in Europe, as well as new opportunities for all partners," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Russia's Dagestan claims to intercept drone, airport halts flights. The downing of a drone in Dagestan comes shortly after an unprecedented drone strike against a Russian military academy in neighboring Chechnya on Oct. 29.

The Kyiv International Economic Forum (KIEF) — one of the largest international forums in Eastern Europe — will take place on Nov. 7, with the Kyiv Independent as a media partner.

KIEF brings together representatives of business, government, and society to promote Ukraine's integration into the global community.

Register here: **forumkyiv.org/en/**

Read our exclusives

With Trump back in White House, can Ukraine opt for nuclear deterrence?

With the looming risk that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may pull the plug on Washington's support for Ukraine, Kyiv has flirted with the option of nuclear deterrence.

Photo: Mykhaylo Palinchak/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

What we know about Trump's plans for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine

Trump has repeatedly said he could end Russia's war "in 24 hours." What is his plan?

Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

This is what Ukrainians in Kyiv think about Trump’s election victory

As Donald Trump triumphs in the U.S. presidential election, Ukrainians brace themselves for what it means for their nation.

Photo: The Kyiv Independent

Ukraine state-owned enterprises weekly — Special issue on state-owned railway company Ukrzaliznytsia

In this special issue, Oleksandr Lysenko and Andriy Boytsun highlight several events illustrating failures in the corporate governance of Ukrzaliznytsia.

Photo: Stanislav Ivanov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

Trump wins US 2024 presidential election – what this means for Ukraine.

Republican candidate Donald Trump claims victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, foreign leaders issue messages, congratulating the former president on returning the White House.

The Republican Party will also take control of the U.S. Senate. The House election results are still being counted. This will impact how — if at all — any future aid arrives in Kyiv from Washington.

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Human cost of war

Russian attacks against Ukraine injure 37, kill 9 over past day. Russia launched 63 Shaheds and other drones overnight, as well as two Kh-59 and Kh-31P guided missiles. Ukrainian air defenses shot 38 drones over nine regions while 22 were "lost," the Air Force said.‌‌

Russia has executed at least 124 Ukrainian POWs on battlefield, Prosecutor General's Office says. Denys Lysenko, head of the department focused on war-related crimes, said that 49 criminal investigations were underway regarding the execution of Ukrainian POWs.

Opinions and insights

Opinion: Biden's foreign policy missteps weakened the West and undermined Harris' path to the presidency.

History will likely judge U.S. President Joe Biden poorly. He set himself a singular mission: to save democracy. But the risk is that his own ego may have jeopardized that very cause — not only in the U.S. but across the West, writes Timothy Ash, Associate Fellow at Chatham House.

Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

International response

Orban congratulates Trump on victory, calls it biggest comeback in US political history. "The biggest comeback in U.S. political history! Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!" Viktor Orban posted.

Georgian PM hopes for 'restart' of ties with US after Trump's reelection. "I am confident that President Trump’s leadership will promote peace globally and in our region as well as ensure restart in U.S.-Georgia relations," Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on X.

Russia-Ukraine war can't be stopped overnight**, Kremlin reacts to Trump.** "We have repeatedly said that the United States of America can help end the conflict in Ukraine. This, of course, cannot be done overnight," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Europe must take responsibility for its security, Polish FM says after Trump's win. "The winds of history are blowing ever more strongly. Poland's leadership will rise to the occasion," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said, urging European countries to boost defense spending.

Updated: Russian officials cautiously cheer on Trump's victory. "Trump has one quality that is useful to us: as a businessman to the core, he hates spending money on freeloaders, on idiotic allies, charity projects, and greedy international organizations," former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said.

Russian war in 'stalemate,' needs to be brought to end, Republican senator says. "That doesn't mean we celebrate what Vladimir Putin did or are excited about it, but I think there has to be some common sense here. We are funding a stalemate that's costing lives... and Ukraine is going to take 100 years to rebuild with everything they're facing," Rubio said.

Ukraine, US have 'potential for stronger cooperation,' Zelensky says following Trump victory. "On defense, on the economy, and on the future after the war – we have the potential for stronger cooperation," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "This is what will make Ukraine, America, and the entire free world more successful."

Zelensky holds call with Trump to congratulate him on election victory. President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 6 to congratulate him on his presidential election victory, Zelensky said on social media.

U.S. presidential election

Trump wins battleground state Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania, a pivotal swing state with a large Ukrainian population, has played a key role in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The candidates have campaigned aggressively in the state, with both Trump and Harris holding dueling rallies there the night before election day.

Trump wins Wisconsin, cementing his election victory. Donald Trump is projected to win the swing state of Wisconsin, putting him safely across the benchmark needed for victory with 277 electoral votes.

‘I’m going to stop the wars’ – Trump says**, as he claims victory.** "They said ‘he will start a war.’ I’m not going to start a war, I’m going to stop the wars," said Donald Trump during a speech in which he claimed victory in the 2024 presidential elections.

‘It will not be like before’: Ukrainian politicians respond to Trump’s win with caution, uncertainty. With Republican candidate Donald Trump set to become the next U.S. president, Ukrainian politicians have reacted carefully – congratulating the former-turned-future president and emphasizing the need for diplomacy and cooperation, while also expressing uncertainty about what his victory means for Ukraine.

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Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Martin Fornusek, Boldizsár Győri, Chris York, Kateryna Hodunova, and Dmytro Basmat.

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i'm on the fence about nuclear power.

on the one hand, it is a clean (relatively speaking) source of power, and all historical catastrophes were results of bureaucratic incompetence rather than technical limitations

on the other hand, nuclear technology goes hand-in-hand with nuclear weapons; bureaucratic incompetence is all but inevitable; and renewables exist

i'm looking to harvest opinions and discussion to help figure out where i stand... please boost and leave your thoughts!

#boost #nuclear #power #sustainability #climateChange

As the scale of the environmental and economic damage from #Dnipro dam destruction is not yet fully comprehended, I just wanted to make one note on social perception of risk.

For the last year everyone has been concerned about about the hypothetical threat of #nuclear power plant attacks in Zaporizhzhia NPP. It never happened thanks to mobilization of international community to execute pressure on Russian occupational forces that included numerous visits of IAEA, diplomats from the West and China etc and even installing a permanent IAEA monitoring mission in ZNPP.

At the same time, over one night #Russia has materialized actual threat of scale that may go well beyond any worst case scenario in ZNPP after it was shut down. Warnings about impact of a hydro dam failure were already voiced in 2022 after Russia has planted explosives on the dam in Novaya Khakovka and hinted it will be used as a weapon if necessary. But there were no Chinese diplomats coming to Moscow, no IEA monitoring mission on the dam and media forgot about it the next day.

Why? Because water seems to be a “natural” threat that everyone is familiar with. In case of #Fukushima it was the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that killed over 20’000 people but world’s attention is still focused on the nuclear plant disaster today where zero people were killed. Some environmental organisations intentionally distorted the tragedy by attributing all these deaths to the plant failure!

Is water any safer? Well, it’s not - if you’re killed by water, you’re dead in the same way as if you were hypothetically killed by gamma radiation. 1975 Banqiao dam disaster[^1] in #China killed 26,000 to 240,000 people, and rendered 12’000 km2 unusable for decades due to sediments and pollution. Since then, there’s a few dam failures[^2] globally almost each year - e.g. 2021 Rishiganga dam killed over 60 people. Last dam failures in USA were in 2020. Fujinuma dam failure in Japan in 2011 as result of the same Tōhoku earthquake killed 8 people, which is 8 more than Fukushima NPP disaster!

Yet hydro power is widely considered “clean and safe”, which is pretty much the same cognitive bias as legal qualification of gloves or boots used at a nuclear power plant as “nuclear waste”, while coal ash or natural gas mining tailings are not, even though they have much higher actual content of radioactive elements 🤷‍♂️ In terms of human deaths per amount of electricity, hydro power is 43x more deadly than nuclear,[^3] which is why it’s important to look at the actual data and science rather than yield to the socially accepted biases, where coal is “dirty but safe” and hydro power is “clean and safe”. You can’t talk over physics, which is why in countries that do this[^4] you can actually see more people being harmed,[^5] and the fact they’re harmed by “natural” coal or water doesn’t make a slightest difference to them.

[^1]: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_Ban… [^2]: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dam_fail… [^3]: ourworldindata.org/safest-sour… [^4]: write.as/arcadian/ideological-… [^5]: grist.org/energy/the-cost-of-g…

#Finland Olkiluoto #nuclear power plant block 3 is now going into full power after being first connected to the electrical grid in May 2022. The power capacity of the new block is 1600 MW and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) 42 EUR/MWh, even after all delays that plagued the plant due to changing legislative environment.

yle.fi/a/74-20027287

Olkiluoto 3 aloittaa ”säännöllisen sähköntuotannon”, mutta sillä on lähinnä symbolinen merkitys – lue, miksi

Edessä ei ole dramaattisia muutoksia.

^{Elli-Alina Hiilamo (Yle Uutiset)}