Bio
Bio: Haile Dennis is Senior Engineer and Reactor Manager of the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor at the International Centre of Environmental Sciences, UWI Mona. He has a master’s degree in the Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors from the University of Birmingham, UK and has been an adjunct lecturer in the UWI’s Faculty of Engineering for the past 12 years, introducing undergraduate students to nuclear power generation. Mr. Dennis, also has the responsibility for the accounting and control of nuclear material and reporting on activities involving the use nuclear material to the IAEA on behalf of the Jamaica.
Abstract
“Assessing Jamaica’s Pathway to Nuclear Energy: Readiness, Challenges, and Opportunities”
Traditionally, only countries with large electricity demands could consider the use of nuclear power as a source of meeting those needs. These conventionally large reactors typically have power outputs greater than ~700 MWe, large physical footprints (~2.5 km2 per 1,000 MW of installed capacity), large emergency planning zones (~16 km radius) and were typically only used for electricity generation. These characteristics made it impractical for small countries like Jamaica, with a peak electricity demand of only ~650 MWe, to consider nuclear power. However, with advances in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), smaller countries can seriously begin to consider introducing nuclear power. Small modular reactors are advanced reactors with power outputs typically up to 300 MWe that can be factory-built and transported to a site as modules. The small sizes, modularity and advanced safety features of SMRs make them attractive to industries and countries with small electricity grids. SMRs are also being developed to have multiple applications including electricity generation, seawater desalination, district heating, hydrogen production, among others.
There are several issues that must be evaluated when considering introducing nuclear power to a country’s energy mix. Detailed studies of these issues not only help to determine a country’s state of readiness for nuclear power but also aids in making an informed decision whether nuclear power is the right choice. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) has developed the “Milestones Approach”, a comprehensive methodology for developing the infrastructure for a nuclear power programme. The Milestones Approach has 3 phases, 3 milestones and 19 nuclear infrastructure issues that need to be considered. A situational analysis of these 19 issues will help to assess Jamaica’s state of readiness for introduction of a nuclear power programme.
Jamaica, for some time now has been working towards becoming a developed nation. It was recently announced that the original 2030 target timeline status will not be met, with the “…need…. to expand and grow the Jamaican economy. The manufacturing sector has been a key contributor to the country’s economic development. However, this contribution has decreased in recent years and one of the primary reasons is increasing operational costs, one such major cost being the cost of energy. The President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), in 2023, lamented the high energy costs and said that it is “…..unsustainable”. To advance our progress towards becoming a developed nation, the manufacturing sector, which plays a significant role in Jamaica’s economic development will, need affordable and reliable sources of energy to be more competitive in the global environment. Jamaica, from the broader perspective, will also benefit from energy diversification, incorporating a balance between renewable energy sources and firm capacity while we seek to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels. With the advances in the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), Jamaica has the opportunity to harness the potential benefits of nuclear power which would propel us on the path to sustainable development. Nuclear power directly contributes to sustainable development goal (SDG) 7, “Affordable and Clean Energy” which is essential for achieving all the other sixteen SDGs. Affordable energy reduces poverty (SDG1) and inequality (SDG10), and supports health (SDG3), education (SDG4), industry (SDG9) and economic growth (SDG8). Reliable energy is essential for industry (SDG9), agriculture (SDG2), health (SDG3) and education (SDG4). Energy for all fosters peace, justice (SDG16), and partnerships (SDG17). Modern energy supports clean communities (SDG11), health (SDG3), and gender equality (SDG5). Sustainable energy is crucial for climate action (SDG13), ecosystems (SDG14, 15), agriculture (SDG2), water (SDG6, 14), and reducing waste (SDG12) [4].
For a long time, Jamaica has been the regional leader in the safe application and regulation of nuclear technology, and we are well on the way to becoming the regional hub for the safe use nuclear science and technology for national development. Including nuclear power in our energy mix will see us continuing on the path of being regional leaders and has great potential of advancing our thrust to developed status.