Understanding and Meeting Urban Energy Demand with Small Modular Reactors

Abstract

Rising expansion of data centers, largely driven by the information age as well as the increase in utilization of generative artificial intelligence has led to the development of challenges related to the growing energy demands of urban energy systems. Cities as they stand are required to not only accommodate for the energy demands associated with the increase in population and commercial needs, but now also must address the demand associated with large scale data center development. This thesis looks to evaluate the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) as an alternative energy source that is capable of addresses these rising challenges. By using Loudoun County, Virginia as a case study due to it being a noticeable global epicenter of new data center development, this thesis looks to utilize a mixed-methodological framework which combines life cycle assessment, geospatial suitability analysis, and energy economics modeling to compare SMRs with conventional and renewable energy sources. Quantitative methods include assessing greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, levelized cost of energy, and geospatial constraints using GIS-based multi criteria decision analysis, while qualitative policy analysis examines the political and regulatory landscape currently governing SMR development. Findings from this thesis show that SMRs stand advantageous in respect to land efficiency, water consumption, long-term emissions, and can be economically competitive in high demand regions under synergetic political frameworks. Zoning and Conservation easement however present significant constraints on siting feasibility. The results from this thesis suggest that SMRs can play a significant role in meeting the future urban energy demands especially when co-located with datacenters if available provided that the supporting regulatory and policies evolve to accommodate growing and advancing nuclear technologies.