Thai power company Global Power Synergy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Denmark’s Seaborg Technologies to explore the possibility of a nuclear “power barge” for Thailand.
Seaborg has developed a small modular reactor (SMR) that uses molten salt as its coolant. It can be installed on a boat to “provide clean and reliable energy where it is most needed”, the firm says.
According to the preliminary agreement, the two companies will spend about four years studying how the reactor can best be used in Thailand.
The intention is to find ways to supply electricity directly to the grid and use the steam produced during the generation process.
Global Power’s chief executive Worawat Pitayasiri said SMR technologies would play an important role for utilities looking for reliability of supply, affordability and sustainability.
He said in a press statement: “In addition to our ongoing studies on hydrogen and carbon capture and storage technologies, we believe that Seaborg’s power barge would potentially be indispensable for our generation mix to achieve our low-carbon electricity.”
The study will be used to attract foreign investment to realise the project.
One Seaborg reactor will be able to generate 100MW of electrical power. A power barge may fit a number of such reactors, depending on what is required.
Klaus Nyengaard, the chief executive of Seaborg, said: “We see new nuclear as a great addition to the Thai energy mix in transforming the future of energy in Thailand, setting a great example for newcomer countries to nuclear.”
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