Nuclear power generation is under assault from a number of different directions. Old nuclear power plants are getting more and more expensive to maintain and operate. Cheap oil and natural gas are rendering nuclear power uncompetitive in the current energy marketplace. Solar and wind energy systems are becoming cheaper to build than nuclear power stations. The public is rejecting the construction of new nuclear power stations in many communities. Investors lack enthusiasm for nuclear power projects. The future of nuclear power generation is not bright. There is, however, an application for nuclear power that does not involve generating electricity for the grid.
A report was recently presented to the Connecticut Maritime Association on the applicability of small modular reactors as power sources for cargo vessels. Small nuclear reactors have operated safely and efficiently to propel for submarines and surface vessels since the 1950s. Maybe it is time that cargo ship which carry more than ninety percent of world trade goods be equipped with nuclear power plants. This would definitely reduce fossil fuel carbon emission to help combat climate change.
Current nuclear marine propulsions systems generate from ten to forty megawatts of power from uranium alloyed with metals such as zirconium or aluminum. Older nuclear marine engines could run for ten years on a single fueling. Newer designs could run for thirty years or more before needing to be refueled. The existing engines are about six feet wide by fifteen feet tall.
In order to drive a cargo ship, their nuclear power plants would have to generate about one hundred and fifty megawatts. The new generation of small modular reactors being developed for power generation is capable of generating up to three hundred megawatts. They are much smaller than conventional reactors but still bigger than current nuclear marine systems.
As with all introductions of new technologies, there are significant barriers to replacing current widespread systems such as that of diesel engines on existing cargo ships. First of all, diesel marine engine technology is well understood and reliable. Second, there is a well-established education system for training diesel engineers. Third, diesel engine manufacturers have construction and repair facilities around the world as well as global spare parts distribution systems. And, fourth, diesel fuel is readily available all over the world. In order for nuclear reactors to compete with diesel engines for cargo ship propulsion, nuclear engines will have to match or surpass the current advantages of diesel propulsion.
The first step towards replacing diesel engines with nuclear engines in cargo ships is the development of designs for such nuclear engines. The second step is to find funding for the construction and testing of the new types of engine. It is likely that one or more national governments would have to be involved in this stage. Once there has been proof of concept, then commercial manufacturing of such engines will have to be researched and shown to be feasible. Finally, private companies will have to be found that have the funds and the expertise to create and service operational fleets of nuclear power cargo ships.
