Biography
Dr. Saied Dardour is a seasoned energy specialist and learning experience designer with over 15 years of experience in the energy sector. Dr. Dardour began his professional journey in the field of industrial simulation at CORYS, before joining the French Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA). During his nearly decade-long tenure at CEA, he led and contributed to several nuclear power reactor design and assessment studies, supporting research, development, and innovation in low-carbon energy solutions. Following his role at CEA, Dr. Dardour joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) where he served for seven years. At the IAEA’s Planning and Economic Studies Section (PESS), he supported member countries with methodologies and tools for planning and assessing power systems expansions and decarbonization strategies. His expertise also extended to funding and financing, social cost-benefit analysis, and economic impact assessment. Building on these experiences, Dr. Dardour recently founded Gréoux Research, a consultancy firm based in Austria, to help governments and businesses navigate the evolving landscape of power systems and energy markets.
Abstract
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges in securing electricity and water supply due to their limited land area, remoteness, vulnerability to natural disasters, and exposure to climate change. This paper suggests a low-carbon energy system to address these challenges, comprising renewable energy sources (solar and wind), battery storage systems, small nuclear reactors (SMRs), and reverse osmosis-based (RO) desalination processes.
As an illustrative case study, the paper presents an energy system optimisation exercise focusing on a fictitious island, representative of SIDS, and heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation and facing freshwater scarcity. The study compares the business as usual (BAU) scenario of continued dependence on fossil fuels with the proposed solution, based on the use of solar, wind, batteries and SMRs for power generation, and RO for desalination. Using the Integrated Energy Systems Optimiser (IESO) tool , we assess the economic advantage of the hybrid renewable and small nuclear power system by comparing the average prices associated with electricity and water supply with the BAU scenario. Key factors influencing the key economic indicators are identified, including the costs and financing terms associated with developing and deploying different low-carbon technologies.
This research acknowledges SIDS’s challenges in transitioning to resilient, low-carbon energy systems. Potential barriers include high upfront costs, limited financial resources, underdeveloped infrastructure, and potential public opposition. Additionally, specific considerations related to nuclear power must be addressed, such as safety and security, safeguards, and spent fuel management. The study explores several strategies to overcome some of these barriers. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and public-private partnerships, can mobilise capital. International organisations like the IAEA can facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building and collaborative partnerships among SIDS, regional organisations, and the private sector.