The Future of Nuclear Power

The UN Sustainable Development Goals build upon decades of work led by the nations of the world to improve the human condition. Being initially unfamiliar with this framework, I spent several days understanding the 17 goals and was surprised by the specificity of the targets of each, all of which strive to be achieved by 2030. Through deeper research, I now appreciate the impact engineering will have on the SDGs and in particular Goal 7: “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”. SDG 7 consists of five targets including improving access to energy, increasing the share of green energy, doubling energy efficiency, enhancing international cooperation, and expanding infrastructure in developing countries. In this context, engineers of all types will need to work in harmony to leverage clean energy sources, build environmentally friendly power plants and address last-mile inefficiencies. Though many initiatives are needed to achieve SDG 7, next-generation nuclear power plants in particular will have a greater impact on sustainable energy than perhaps any other, illustrating the criticality of engineering in achieving the UN SDGs.

Jean-Eudes Moncomble, Chair of the Committee of Energy of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, writes nuclear engineering “is capable of producing massive quantities of carbon-free electricity and can thus contribute substantially to the fight against climate change.” In the US, nuclear supplies 20% of energy output with a significantly higher plant up time of 92% vs the less than 50% availability of solar, hydro, wind, and carbon. In fact, the acceleration of nuclear power can help decarbonize the world more than perhaps any other approach. However, in many countries nuclear is a lower priority than it once was. This is understandable in the context of disasters including Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, though the deaths associated with these events were far less than those associated with other industrial accidents.

In “Seeing the Light”, Scott Montgomery outlines the innovations that make nuclear power far safer than the dated designs of the reactors of the past. Most existing Generation I and II reactors originally conceived in the 50s/60s are being phased out in favor of Generation III reactors which have safer designs. Importantly, Gen IV reactors will provide even more advanced benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and expense. While the United States and other countries have sponsored Gen IV, the actual development of such reactors will require significant R&D and engineering ingenuity.

Gen IV reactors, as Ilhami and MacEachern describe, fundamentally require two major improvements: the ability to operate at much higher temperatures and advanced construction materials to operate at such temperatures. New types of coolants such as molten salt, high-pressure helium gas, and liquid sodium need to be introduced into modern designs. Multiple engineering disciplines need to work as a team to overcome these technical challenges. Nuclear engineers apply the principles of atomic physics to engineering choices for reactor design, radiation safety, and the instrumentation required to operate reactors. Mechanical engineers work on coolant, water circulation, and ventilation systems. Electrical engineers build systems that transfer the energy from the reactor to substations and ultimately customers. Software engineers build the digital tools needed to manage complexity. Diverse and inclusive teams, including representation by underrepresented voices, are critical to bringing 360 thinking in building the modern nuclear plants the world needs.

Great engineering can overcome the flaws of previous designs and build safer and more cost-effective power plants. Modern nuclear plants are inherently environmentally friendly in comparison to hydroelectric, wind, and solar which each have flaws and often require significant land use. Though policymakers and citizens ultimately make decisions on sustainable energy choices, engineers will need to prove they can address legacy shortcomings and deliver on their promises by building Generation IV plants on a large scale. The success of this effort will help meet SDG 7 and lead to a better and more sustainable tomorrow.

Bibliography

Dincer, A. (2018). Comprehensive Energy Systems. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier.

Montgomery, S.L. & Graham, T. (2017). Seeing the Light. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

Richard, R. (2018, July 19). “Why Nuclear Power Must Be Part of the Energy Solution.” New Haven, CT: Yale School of the Environment. https://e360.yale.edu/features/why-nuclear-power-must-be-part-of-the-energy-solution-environmentalists-climate.

(2021). “Engineering for Sustainable Development.” UNESCO, International Centre for Engineering Education. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375644.locale=en

(n.d). “The 17 Goals | Sustainable Development.” United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals