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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]

Small modular reactor (SMR) is an emerging clean technology that is expected to help decarbonize power systems and mitigate climate change in the future. However, previous SMR siting methods were unable to take the multi-complexities of the power system into account. To deal with such a shortage, a factorial optimization-based SMR siting (FOSS) model is developed in this study. The main advantage of the developed FOSS model is its capability of comprehensively examining the SMR siting issue within a general electricity-system framework under multi-complexities. The optimized SMR siting schemes and power-systems transition plans can be then provided. The developed approach was applied to the power systems in Saskatchewan, Canada. The results indicate that replacing conventional coal-fired plants with SMRs can be a beneficial alternative to promote GHG mitigation and meet the growing power demand. The SMR deployment would enable a transition to a low-carbon power system in Saskatchewan with at least 65.6% emissions reduction by 2045 from 2018 level. Factorial and scenario-based analysis can provide policy makers with reference points to formulate specific decarbonization policies of power systems. The FOSS model can be adapted for electricity systems in different countries and this research provides a promising way to promote a transition towards long-term sustainability in global energy systems. [Display omitted] • A FOSS model that can solve multiple complexities is developed. • SMR siting issue is analyzed within a general electricity-system framework. • Contrastive and multi-scenario analysis provide policy support for decision-makers. • Replacing coal-fired power plants with SMRs is a potential siting method. • SMR siting and the transition in future power systems can promote GHG mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]