Small Modular Reactor Deployment for Hybrid Energy Systems and Hydrogen Production at Remote Mines

Abstract

The opportunities and challenges of deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at a northern Canadian remote open-pit mine site are explored, alone and in conjunction with other hybrid energy sources to produce electricity, heat, and hydrogen. A variety of energy generation options are modelled to meet the needs of a brownfield off-grid open pit mine. Further energy is considered for a hydrogen production system sized to produce enough hydrogen to power mine vehicles. The approximate Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), and total CO₂ abatement are compared for each energy generation option to assess potential cost and emissions reductions.