Nuclear 2.0
the possibilities of nuclear energy have barely been explored. e-Lise has developed the Nuclear 2.0 philosophy. This philosophy is characterized by the recycling of nuclear fuel and the application of nuclear energy for various purposes: electricity, hydrogen, heat, clean water, and synthetic fuels.
Small Modular Reactors
e-Lise wants to permanently change the energy landscape by laying a foundation for the roll-out of the most modern and efficient nuclear reactors. It is our ambition to make the start of the construction of new nuclear power plants possible before 2030. We are looking at large conventional reactors such as the French EPR or the South Korean APR 1400. In addition, we see in Small Modular Reactors (also called SMRs) an interesting technology that can be applied in the Netherlands to quickly put an end to CO2 emissions and particulate matter emissions from coal and biomass combustion.
SMRs are not a must, in SMRs we see a valuable addition to the existing nuclear energy portfolio. Here's why we find SMRs interesting:
Faster
SMRs are small and therefore very efficient in material use; some designs use up to 50% less concrete, steel and other materials per kilowatt of capacity than larger reactors; this is partly because they have fewer components and can be passively cooled. They can also be built faster because of this.
Energy density means limited space
A 300 MW SMR delivers more than two billion kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity annually, which is equivalent to the annual consumption of more than half a million 4-person households. And that on a surface that is smaller than a football field.
Economies of scale
Conventional reactors create economies of scale due to their size; but the implementation of SMRs involves components that can be produced faster and in series. In addition to expected cost decreases, this means shorter lead times and therefore lower financing costs. This removes a major obstacle for energy companies to invest in nuclear energy.
Lots of options
The industry has fully embraced the development of SMRs, currently more than 70 new designs are known to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Engineering bureau Tractebel published a market survey at the end of 2020 that charts the current situation.
Lower entry costs
Because the reactor and the building are smaller, the construction costs of an SMR are also drastically lower. A 300 MW (megawatt) reactor costs less than one billion euros.