Nuclear power plants

Abstract

The Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011 significantly impacted the licensing process for nuclear power plants (NPPs) due to the necessity to mitigate hydrogen generation from the reaction between water/steam and zirconium-based alloy cladding material. Small modular reactors (SMRs) have emerged as a safer alternative, incorporating passive safety systems and design simplifications to mitigate risks. SMRs also offer advantages such as modular construction, reduced costs, and the ability to generate electricity and heat for various applications. However, challenges remain, including public perception, high costs, and the risk of proliferation. To address these challenges, ongoing research and development efforts focus on combustible gas management, accident tolerant fuels (ATFs), and computational simulations to optimize SMR designs and ensure their safety and sustainability.