Enercon Services Inc. (ENERCON) recently provided a comprehensive evaluation of eleven advanced nuclear reactor designs to guide a U.S utility in selecting the optimal technology for their proposed new nuclear deployment. The assessment evaluated three key end-use scenarios: utility base load power generation, co-located/behind-the-meter power generation and process superheated steam.
The reactor designs analyzed included the industry leading GEN 3+ and GEN IV reactor vendor designs. Each design was meticulously evaluated based on twelve critical criteria – ensuring a thorough and impartial assessment. Recommendations were tailored to meet the specific needs of each end-use scenario, emphasizing scalability, operational efficiency, and rapid deployment.
The methodology behind this assessment involved a rigorous rating system, informed by the EPRI Advanced Nuclear Technology: Owner-Operator Reactor Technology Assessment Guide where each reactor design was scored across the twelve criteria. These criteria were weighted according to our client’s strategic objectives, ensuring that the evaluation aligned with their project goals. Publicly available information was used to maintain objectivity, and the final scores provided a clear ranking of the technologies, facilitating informed decision-making.
This detailed assessment not only offered valuable insights for the utility but also showcased the strengths and potential of each reactor design. The report also underscored the importance of implementing a strategic, data-driven approach to nuclear technology selection — ensuring that the chosen technology aligned with the utility’s goals and paving the way for successful development and operations.
Enercon Services Inc. has been an industry leader in site licensing, engineering design/analysis and environmental services for the advanced GEN 3+ & GEN IV nuclear reactor designs and the nuclear power industry for over 40 years. ENERCON is ranked by Engineering News Record as one of the top engineering design providers to the U.S. Nuclear Industry and is Engineer of Choice at over 90% of nuclear power plants across the United States.
