EP 36: How much of a plug and play is it for a coal fired power plant to be converted to a nuclear power plant
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Summary: In this episode we discuss the feasibility of converting existing coal-fired power plants into nuclear power plants, specifically focusing on the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). We examine the process of conversion, highlighting the necessary steps such as site assessment, decommissioning of coal infrastructure, reactor fabrication and installation, steam generation system adaptation, turbine and generator integration, cooling system development, electrical grid connection, waste management planning, and regulatory compliance. We acknowledge the challenges associated with conversion, including potential "Not In My Back Yard" (NIMBY) objections and the need to navigate different regulatory bodies. Questions to consider as you read/listen:

• What are the technical and logistical challenges associated with converting a coal-fired power plant to a nuclear power plant?
• What are the economic and environmental considerations involved in converting coal-fired power plants to nuclear power plants?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of converting coal-fired power plants to nuclear power plants in the United States?

Long format: How much of a plug and play is it for a coal-fired power plant to be converted to a nuclear power plant?With recent discussions and interpretations of the Department of Energy’s new grant application process to look at Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to the tune of $900 million.

https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-900-million-accelerate-deployment-next-generation-light-water-small-modular) the question becomes how to best implement SMRs into our existing grid. Build new facilities or repurpose and retool existing Coal-fired Power Plants? We examine this now. Rather than getting bogged down in the “should” discussion whereby reasonable people disagree reasonably about whether the United States should move to nuclear energy as opposed to other energy sources, I wanted to take a moment to focus practical side of converting from old coal fired plants (CPP) to new SMR plants (mobile micro reactors). When Peter Zeihan first brought this up several months ago, I did a bit of a deep dive to see how close of a plug and play substitute this scenario could be. And this is what I discovered (for what it’s worth): Converting a coal power plant into a nuclear power plant involves a multi-step process including: site assessment, decommissioning existing coal infrastructure, building a new nuclear reactor, installing necessary cooling systems, integrating with the existing electrical grid, addressing regulatory requirements and overcoming Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) objections, while potentially reusing some existing structures like the turbine hall and electrical transmission lines, depending on the design of the new nuclear reactor, particularly if it's a smaller, modular design. In short, it’s a process but yes a lot of stuff that would traditionally we just scrapped can be reclaimed and rededicated depending upon status. We do something similar and related already with converting coal-fire power plants (CPP) to natural gas power plants (NGPP). Almost 200 plants are either fully converted or are in process to be converted from CPP to NGPP. The biggest practical difference that cannot be stressed enough as we shall see about the switch from CPP to NGPP and that from CPP to NPP is the change in regulatory body oversight. SITE ASSESSMENT: In the conversion from coal-fired to nuclear (micro reactors) one of the key elements is access to water. If the micro reactor is water cooled that’s an issue. Not such a large issue if it is non-water-coooled like sodium, lead, or molten salts which most of the designs I talked about in my other long post are. DECOMMISSIONING OF THE COAL PLANT: This may already have been done or is in process, but if it is not, here are the steps oversimplified. Dismantle and remove existing coal combustion equipment, including boilers, coal handling systems, and flue gas desulfurization units, while managing hazardous materials like coal ash. The degree to which the government regulators will require a given site to remediate the flue gas desulfurization units and removal or processing of the legacy coal ash on site may make a given project uneconomic. The removed equipment will include at least the coal, coal-storage facilities, coal-handling equipment, coal dryers and crushers, gas filters, ash-handling equipment, sulfur scrubbers, exhaust towers, and any ponds used in operation. One study found that this step makes up approximately 75% of the original capital cost of the plant. NUCLEAR REACTOR FABRICATION/CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION. This step seems fairly obvious including but not limited to building a control room, containment structure and installing the reactor core, fuel handling systems, and associated cooling systems. STEAM GENERATION SYSTEM: Adapt or modify the existing steam generation system to be compatible with the heat produced by the nuclear reactor. The ability of this repurposing depends on prior plant design and also how long the existing system had been operating. The longer it has been in operation the more likely wear and tear has made its repurposing impractical. TURBINE AND GENERATOR INTEGRATION: Utilize the existing turbine and generator infrastructure where possible, potentially requiring upgrades to accommodate the new steam conditions. Retaining the turbine would potentially save approximately 5.5% of the cost of the original plant. The ability of this repurposing depends on prior plant design and also how long the existing system had been operating. The longer it has been in operation the more likely wear and tear has made its repurposing impractical. COOLING SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT: Install appropriate cooling systems, such as cooling towers or once-through cooling systems, based on water availability and environmental considerations. ELECTRICAL GRID CONNECTION: Connect the new nuclear power plant to the existing electrical grid, leveraging the existing transmission lines from the coal plant. This is a major advantage of conversion from a legacy CCP to a new nuclear power plant (NPP). If the NPP’s power levels match those of the CPP, this should allow for minimal investment in the local grid. WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN:  Develop a plan for managing spent nuclear fuel, including storage and transportation to a disposal facility. And also there are potential issues with cleaning up the onsite legacy coal storage areas depending on how much coal remains. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Obtain all necessary permits and licenses from regulatory agencies, including site permitting, construction authorization, and operation licenses. Switching regulatory bodies is no joke. From the EPA for CPP to the the NRC with any nuclear power plant is a change in culture for sure.

NIMBY CONCERNS: As we can see from the comments within our own community some folks have very log held and very heart felt beliefs on the subject of nuclear power. Will anti NPP folks be able to sufficiently organize and galvanize local thought to impact the project? That’s always a possibility.

Just some research I did that might be useful. I look forward to Eric’s or others amplifications/corrections. I like to learn. Thanks for helping me learn, y’all. Sources: https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/8-things-know-about-converting-coal-plants-nuclear-power) https://inldigitallibrary.inl.gov/sites/sti/sti/Sort_54812.pdf) https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/could-nations-coal-plant-sites-help-drive-clean-energy-transition#:~:text=A%20Look%20at%20the%20Study&text=The%20team%20further%20evaluated%20the,environmental%20benefits%20to%20energy%20communities) https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/could-nations-coal-plant-sites-help-drive-clean-energy-transition#:~:text=A%20Look%20at%20the%20Study&text=The%20team%20further%20evaluated%20the,environmental%20benefits%20to%20energy%20communities) https://www.pnnl.gov/sites/default/files/media/file/PNNL-SA-193632-CoaltoNuclear.pdf) https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/nuclear-101-how-does-nuclear-reactor-work#:~:text=The%20water%20in%20the%20core,electric%20generator%20to%20produce%20electricity) https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/repurposing-fossil-fuel-power-plant-sites-with-smrs-to-ease-clean-energy-transition#:~:text=Nevertheless%2C%20challenges%20remain%20to%20implementing,salt%2Dbased%20energy%20storage%20system) https://spectrum.ieee.org/nuclear-power-plant#:~:text=I%20find%20it%20difficult%20to,than%20simply%20building%20new%20machinery) https://nuclearinnovationalliance.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/NIA_Resources%20for%20Coal%20Repowering%20with%20Nuclear%20Energy_v1.0_.pdf) https://www.utilitydive.com/news/coal-nuclear-power-pant-conversion-naseo-naruc/714586/#:~:text=Despite%20the%20opportunity%2C%20challenges%20remain,kW%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20report%20said) Get full access to GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack at geopoliticsunplugged.substack.com/subscribe)