2020, Volume 22, Issue 1
Strategic Study of CAE >> 2020, Volume 22, Issue 1 doi: 10.15302/J-SSCAE-2020.01.019
Application History and Enlightenment of Very Small Modular Reactor for Land Battlefield Energy Supply
Joint Service College, National Defense University PLA China, Beijing 100036, China
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Abstract
Very small modular reactors (vSMRs) have become the focus of attention due to its great potential in land battlefield energy supply. It has the characteristics of flexible mobility, rapid energy supply, obvious cost advantages, and high safety. The problems of large fuel consumption, resupply difficulties, high costs and risks in the Iraqi and Afghan battlefields have led the US military to re-examine the use of vSMR in operational energy supply. This article starts with the historical process of the US Army’s development of vSMRs, and introduces representative types of vSMRs at present; then the author systematically analyzes the application scenarios, use mode, main advantages, and challenges of mobile nuclear power plants (MNPP) based on the vSMR technology. The research suggests that China should actively demonstrate the military applications of vSMR, and explore its use modes in different areas such as fixed installations, mobile battlefields, and overseas operations based on national conditions and military conditions. Taking the military demand as the traction, China should strengthen the military−civilian coordination in tackling key problems and accelerate the application of vSMR technology.
Keywords
reactor ; very small modular ; land battlefeld ; energy supply ; apply history ; US Army
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