Evaluating the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors in the European Union: A GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis approach to meet Paris Agreement

To meet the 2015 Paris Agreement’s targets, the EU aims to decommission all coal-fired power plants by 2030. Considering the Russian war in Ukraine, which has significantly inflated energy prices, the EU faces additional challenges with energy supply, exacerbated by dependence on the Nord Stream gas pipeline. This research focuses on identifying the 193-operating coal-fired plants in the EU and evaluating their potential for converting to small modular reactors (SMRs). Using ArcGIS software for data collection and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis for ranking, this study ranks the existing coal plant locations based on criteria suitable for SMR construction. The findings suggest constructing SMRs at the top 70 ranked sites can generate four times the electricity produced by all 193 coal plants combined. Germany and Bulgaria are identified as ideal locations for SMRs. The research highlights SMRs as a superior solution to meet Europe’s increasing energy needs and climate goals, particularly in the absence of technological advancements in other renewable energy sources. This study emphasises that converting existing coal plants to SMRs could help the EU achieve its climate targets while addressing energy security concerns heightened by the ongoing geopolitical crisis. • Evaluates 193 EU coal plants for SMR potential via MCDM and spatial analysis. • TOPSIS to rank sites using geographic, economic, and infrastructure data. • Top 70 sites may produce 4× current coal plant output, enhancing energy capacity. • SMRs improve energy resilience amid geopolitical and renewable limits. • Supports EU decarbonisation by replacing coal with low-emission nuclear energy.