전세계적 원자력 재평가: 개발 중인 신규 원자로에 대한 전망 (Reevaluation of Nuclear Power Begins Aroung the World: Prospects for New Nuclear Reactors Under Development)
본 보고서는 탈탄소화 전력원으로 재평가되며 개발 및 지원이 강화되고 있는 등 원자력을 둘러싼 변화에 대해 서술합니다.
Nuclear power is being reevaluated around the world as a decarbonizing power source. Key countries with nuclear power plants have announced increased support for nuclear development. In response, reactor manufacturers have announced plans to develop new types of reactors with enhanced safety features and to start operating them from around 2030. The new reactors fall into two categories: (1) improved versions of existing light-water reactors (LWRs), and (2) reactors other than LWRs (Generation IV reactors). Small modular reactors (SMRs) are also becoming a trend. However, there are some challenges, including the acceptability of reactors with limited operation records by electric power utilities and the current lack of a certification process by regulatory authorities with regard to (2). For the time being, the latest large LWRs will become mainstream, but SMRs and Generation IV reactors could also play a part in power generation and eventually contribute to hydrogen production and heat utilization in industry.