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• A multi-stochastic SMR siting model is developed to handle multiple uncertainties • Environmental-economic trade-offs related to SMR siting are analyzed systematically • The competitive relationships among SMRs, CCS, and CCGTS are analyzed • Multi-scenario analysis provide policy supports for decision-makers Existing electric power systems have been being faced with great concerns on climate change mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in recent decades. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are considered the next generation of power technologies, offering stable, safe, and environmental-friendly power. This research initially establishes a multi-stochastic SMR siting model (SSMRS) based on a dynamic mixed-integer left-hand-side chance-constrained multistage programming (DMLCM) method, aiming to provide solid bases for electric power system management to promote GHG mitigation under uncertainties and advance the practical application of SMRs in a regional electric power system. The model is applied to emission-intensive Saskatchewan power systems, which have a high reliance on fossil fuels. The commissioned coal-fired and gas-fired power plants in Saskatchewan are identified as potential sites for employing SMRs. A series of scenarios regarding technical development and carbon policies are analyzed to study the interrelationships among technological competition, policy efficiency, and system-failure risk. This is the first attempt to apply an optimization-based modeling approach for siting SMRs in Saskatchewan with detailed consideration of other new-emerging emission reduction technologies. We found that a carbon tax ranging from 30 to 40$/tonne might be reasonable in Saskatchewan after 2030 while the SMR would be partly commercially viable, occupying ∼>15% of total installed capacity. The solution obtained could provide scientific bases for decision-makers to determine optimal schemes for power supply, capacity expansions, and system costs under environmental targets, and particularly identify construction schemes for SMRs at specific sites in different periods under various risk levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep decarbonization of the power systems is pivotal to the efforts of global energy transition and climate mitigation. The small modular reactor (SMR) is a decarbonized, reliable and secure generating technology that can bring new possibilities for global power-sector transition. However, such a transition involves a variety of complexities even beyond conventional systems. We comprehensively explore the SMR deployment and the decarbonization pathway in a number of diversified power and jurisdictional systems under various complexities associated with multiple variables, objectives, criteria and constraints that have dynamic and interactive relationships. This effort is based on the development of an SMR-embedded multi-region power system management model (SMPM). Using Canada as an example, here we show that SMRs would play different roles in diversified power systems, particularly for fossil-fuel dependent, highly variable renewable energy-penetrated and off-grid. The introduction of SMRs to Canada would result in up to 71% (/48%) emission reduction from 2005 (/2018) level in the country by 2045. Our results would help show the significance of SMRs for supporting the global energy transition. [Display omitted] • An SMPM model is developed to analyze low-carbon power system transition in Canada. • Multiple complexities and uncertainties in power systems are reflected. • SMR development issue is investigated within a power-system optimization framework. • The regional development of Canada is analyzed by a holistic optimization method. • GHG emissions from Canada's power sector would be 48% lower in 2045 than in 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]