Addressing the global energy problem: Perspectives, challenges, and potential solutions

Abstract

The global requirements for increased power generation in a situation of political and financial turbulence, coupled with the demand for a reduction in carbon emissions on a global scale, pose a significant challenge in the coming years. In this scenario, nuclear power generation technology can offer at least two non-exclusive solutions. On one hand, it can capitalize on the extensive technological experience in water-cooled reactors constructing Small Modular Reactors (SMR); On the other hand, it can improve the efficiency of currently operating power plants. Both proposals require reversing the trend of dismantling nuclear industry support groups and laboratories, thus recovering lost capabilities and promoting the incorporation of new technologies and developments.For over a decade, the Thermal-Hydraulics Department of CNEA (Argentina) has been committed to the technological development of Small Modular integral Reactors (SMiRs) and various tools for enhancing the cooling of nuclear fuel elements. This work presents some of these projects, highlighting their main achievements and future challenges.