PyPSA
Differentiate nuclear technologies by size and reactor type
I'd like to suggest the representation of nuclear power technologies by differentiating them by size (large reactors vs small modular reactors) and by reactor type (PWR, HTGR, etc.), and applying this distinction to both existing and buildable capacity.
Right now, nuclear is modeled as a single generic technology, but there are major differences between different technologies. Each class has distinct:
- Capital cost (CAPEX);
- O&M cost structure;
- Construction time and modularity;
- Ramp rates and flexibility;
- Applicability (grid baseload vs remote/off-grid, industrial heat, etc.).
A first-level split could distinguish:
- nuclear_large
- nuclear_smr A second-level refinement could add specific reactor types:
- nuclear_smr_pwr
- nuclear_smr_htgr
This would better reflect current technology trends and allow more detailed modeling of future scenarios – especially given the increasing focus on SMRs in Europe, USA and beyond.
Sure, by all means. Do you have a source for assumptions that we can add? If you want, you can add them into manual_inputs.csv and I can review your additions!
What do you think about the current nuclear assumptions? Can we keep the current nuclear technology to make the change not break other people's applications, or are they inappropriate?
Sure, I’ll work on that. I believe the current assumptions could be improved, but it will take a bit of time to collect and structure the data properly. Once the diversification is implemented, it might be challenging to keep the current aggregated nuclear technology as it is, but we can explore ways to ensure backward compatibility if needed.
Great, thanks!
Yes - let's discuss backwards compatibility once we have the other data available!