This report addresses the technical, regulatory, economic, and political feasibility of deploying the MARVEL nuclear microreactor (MR) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) for nuclear research and low-carbon energy. We evaluate MARVEL’s technology, WPI’s energy needs, infrastructure capabilities, and research priorities to determine suitability and potential benefits. An economic analysis examines costs, savings, and funding opportunities. Safety considerations, including radiation, waste, and emergency preparedness, are rigorously assessed against regulations and standards. The report provides recommendations on the viability, challenges, and implications of MR implementation to inform WPI’s energy planning and research endeavors while prioritizing environmental sustainability goals.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Shanahan, Quinn
• Balaji, Arshia
• Hess, Lorenzo

Subject

• Sustainability
• Environment
• Infrastructure
• Energy

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 122579
• E-project-050724-194732

Keyword

• microreactor
• research
• energy
• low-carbon
• nuclear

Advisor

• Medich, David Christopher
• Rosbach, Derren

Year

• 2024

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 13 - Climate Action

Date created

• 2024-05-07

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Source

• E-project-050724-194732

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2024-06-27