Assessing Grid Reliability for Optimal Integration of System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor Technology (SMART) for Kenya: A Case of Nairobi Distribution Network

The integration of advanced nuclear technologies like the System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART) into developing power grids presents unique opportunities for grid reliability. This network, connected to geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind power sources, comprises 220kV and 132kV transmission lines feeding 66kV, 33kV, and 11kV distribution lines to various load centers. As Kenya expands electricity access, maintaining grid stability while integrating new technologies becomes crucial for economic growth. While previous research has examined grid stability with renewable integration, the effects of advanced nuclear technologies in developing grids remain understudied. The study employs ETAP 22 simulation software to model three scenarios: a base case, compensator-only operation, and SMART-SMR integration. The analysis includes steady-state stability and reliability metrics such as SAIFI, SAIDI, CAIDI, and EENS. Results demonstrate significant improvements with SMART integration: SAIDI reduced by 2.8% to 5.0433 hours/customer-year, SAIFI improved by 5.1% to 0.0516 interruptions/customer-year, and voltage profiles stabilized between 98.21% and 98.91% of nominal. These findings highlight SMART potential to enhance grid performance in developing power systems, offering insights for policymakers towards achieving more reliable and clean energy infrastructure.