The technical, economical and environmetal feasibility of implementing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) : A case study of Rankin Inlet, Canada

This study examines the various challenges involved in implementing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Rankin Inlet, Canada. This region has high dependence on highcost and contaminant energy sources due to its extreme climate and its isolation. The interest of this study is to replace their use of fossil fuels and to produce clean and local energy to improve citizen's quality of life through new fission technologies as SMRs. These reactors are in current development and testing its effectiveness. A combined technical, environmental, and economic evaluation was conducted to assess the suitability of SMRs for this context. The methodology included cost extrapolation from existing data, estimation of COz emission reductions, and calculation of the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and the Return on Investment (ROI) for a 3 MWe reactor operating over a 60-year lifetime. The analysis shows that the SEALER, in terms of technical feasibility, is suitable for Arctic conditions due to its passive safety systems, compact size, and long operational life. From an environmental perspective, the replacement of diesel generators with SMR would account for a significant reduction in greenhouse gases emissions. In economic terms, while the initial investment costs are high, the long-term performance demonstrate the strong potential for cost-effectiveness and energy independence of those reactors. The study concludes that SMRs are a promising alternative to fossil fuels in remote communities.