Enhancing Power Quality in Renewable-Integrated Grids Using Small Modular Reactors

Integrating renewable energy sources (RESs), such as photovoltaic and wind power, alongside nuclear power plants (NPPs), into the electric grid is crucial for achieving sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the integration of RESs presents significant challenges to grid stability and power quality (PQ). While numerous solutions have been proposed to enhance PQ under high RES penetration, many are costly, unreliable, or lead to power losses due to energy conversion. This study investigates the potential of NPPs, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), as a stable solution for improving PQ. NPPs enhance grid stability and reliability through synchronous generators (SGs), which provide critical grid inertia. A SimPower Systems model is employed to simulate a power system incorporating RESs (e.g., a 4.5 GW wind farm) and an NPP composed of multiple SMR units (10 × 300 MW) equipped with SGs. The findings highlight how NPPs can effectively maintain grid reliability and stability under various disturbances.