INPRO Dialogue Forum on Opportunities and Challenges in Small Modular

Reactors.

ULSAN, Republic of Korea; 2–5 July 2019

The Moroccan NPP Project

and SMR perspectives

Presented by : Rachid SEKKOURI ALAOUI

Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable (The National Utility)

MOROCCO

SUMMARY:

Moroccan Energy System Evolution

The Moroccan NPP Project

The Regulatory & Legislative framework

The Maamora Nuclear Research Center

The IAEA Milestones Approach & INIR Mission

The incentives of SMR

Conclusion

3

ONEE-BE : MISSION AND STRATEGIES

To ensure the public service of Electricity Generation, Distribution and Transmission throughout the country.

To meet and manage the country's electricity demand under the best

conditions of cost and quality of service;

To work for the promotion and development of Renewable Energy

Increase the contribution of renewable energies to electricity generation mix;

Energy Mix diversified and optimized through reliable and competitive technologies;

Promotion of energy efficiency;

Regional Integration.

MAIN MISSIONS STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS

MOROCCO: A GROWING ELECTRICITY DEMAND

Total Installed Capacity : 10938 MW

Demand average growth rate : 4,6%

Energy consumption : 37 446 GWh

Rural Electrification Rate: 99,68%

Installed Interconnection Capacities:

1400 MW With Spain

2400 MW with Algeria

Average Growth Rate: 4,6% General Data (2018)

Thermal 66%

Hydro 16% Wind; 11,2%

Solar 6,5%

4,6%

Installed capacity by

energy source

31

%

32

%42%

52%

The Moroccan Energy Mix Evolution

Renewables Energy Penetration Rate

THE MOROCCAN NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT

A bilateral convention between Morocco and China was signed and a technico-

economic feasibility has been realized based on small nuclear reactor for

seawater desalination production in the south of Morocco (Tantan City),

The technology proposed was the Chinese NHR (Nuclear Heating Reactor) withtwo power ranges : 10MWth and 200 MWth.

1- The First Feasibilty and Sites Study (1984-1995)

The first Feasibility Study to introduce a first NPP in Morocco was undertaken bythe National Utility ONEE with the services of the French Consultant SOFRATOMEand with IAEA assistance;

A very exhaustive sites studies lead to the choice of the Sidi Boulbra site, locatedat Atlantic Sea between SAFI and Essaouira cities (300 km in the south ofCasablanca), as the appropriate site with no characteristics that would preventthe construction of an NPP units under the safety requirements. This conclusionwas validated by IAEA mission Experts.

A detailed studies in many NPP areas (technical, economical, regulatory,organizational, ..) have been done and thousands reports have been written,including a detailed Technical Specifications of the NPP and the Preliminary Sitesafety Report.

2- The Feasibilty of Nuclear desalination with China (1997-2000)

THE MOROCCAN NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT

The volatility of primary fossil energy prices and the high dependence ofthese energy sources lead the National Utility ONEE to update the first NPPfeasibility study ;

These work was undertaken by a dedicated ONEE team with the IAEAassistance;

The results, validated by IAEA, shown the feasibility and the competitivenessof Nuclear Option and lead to the choice of Proven & commerciallyavailable Nuclear Reactor technology, mainly PWR 1000 MWe, VVER-1000MWe and CANDU-6 of 700 MWe to be implemented in Morocco ;

The updated Sidi Boulbra site characteristics still presents several positive

aspects related to safety and external environmental risks.

Main issue: due to higher cost of fossil sources (coal ), the nuclear option was a viable option to be implemented in Morocco at the horizon of 2017-2020.

3- Updating the First Feasibilty and Sites Study (2002-2004)

THE MOROCCAN NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT

In 2006-2007, ONEE has undertaken a preselecting process inviting the

constructors and operators of different NPP technologies types selected during

the updated FS, to submit a non binding offers related to (i) the construction of

two NPP of 700 to 1000 MW each, (ii) the operation & maintenance of the units (iii)the services related to nuclear fuel. This process has been implemented in order to

have a good visibility about the technology offered and the kWh prices before

taking the decision,

AECL (CANDU-6 700 MWe), AREVA (PWR 1000 MWe), ATOMSTROYEXPORT (VVER-

1000) and KHNP/DOOSAN (OPR 1000 MWe) have submitted offers,

During this process, ONEE has been supported by an international technical

consultant and an international legal consultant for their assistance during the

bids evaluation and for reviewing and completing the draft project contracts

prepared by ONEE,

the Bid Invitation documents (EPC contract, O&M contract, Fuel supply contract,PPA contract) have been established.

4- Non Binding Process (2006-2007)

THE REGULATORY AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

A new National Nuclear Law (Loi 142-12) on nuclear safety and nuclear securityhas been promulgated in 2014.

In the framework of this law, an independent Nuclear Safety Authority, called

Agence Maroaine de Sûreté, Securité Nucléaire et Radiologique (AMSSNuR) has

been established in 2016, with authority and financial support from government.

from At present, AMSSNuR is :

Updating and Elaborating the required regulatory texts (Decrees, Guides,..) in the

framework of a National Committee composed of different stakeholders

(Ministries, National Utilitiy, NRC, Medical Associations..).

Setting up (with the collaboration of other national stakeholders) the national

policies related to Nuclear safety and safety on spent fuel and radioactive waste

management;

Building the human resources, staff and expertise for control and assessment of

safety&security of all nuclear radioactive sources and nuclear facilities (The staff of

AMSSNuR will reach 100 in 2020 ),

Conducting awareness and information campaigns to the benefit of users of

radioactive sources for the organization of there activities,

Establishing bilateral and international cooperation with national and international

organizations (IAEA, EU, Africans Nuclear Regulators …).

1- The Regulatory framework

THE REGULATORY AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Morocco has ratified many International Conventions and Treaties related to

nuclear energy field,

NPT and IAEA Safeguards (in 1970),

Additional Protocol (in 2011), Convention in assistance in nuclear or radiological accident;

Convention related to rapid notification in case of nuclear or

radiological accident,

Physical protection convention and its amendment, Nuclear Civil liability Convention ; convention in reparation on nuclear

supplementary damages,

Nuclear safety Convention (recently),

Joint convention on spent fuel and radioactive waste management, Code of conduct on safety and security of radioactive sources and

supplementary guide on Import and Exports of radioactive sources,

etc…

2- Main International Conventions and Treaties ratified by Morocco.

CNESTEN

Established in 1986 with the following missions :

Managing the Nuclear Research Center of Maamora(based on Triga Mark 2 research reactor and its associated laboratories),

Developing scientific research in nuclear science and technology,

Promoting nuclear applications in socio-economic sectors (Agriculture, Water, Industrial applications,…)

Contributing to the development of infrastructure for a nuclear power program

Acting as a Technical Support Organization (TSO) for national authorities,

Managing radioactive waste at national level.

The National Center For Nuclear

Energy, Science And Technology (CNESTEN)

and the The MAAMORA Nuclear Research Center (Maamora NRC)

Maamora NRC : more than 20 years of

operating experience

Expertise in different activities :

Nuclear Medicine and life sciences

(Production of radioisotopes)

Industrial Applications Natural

Resources & Environment

applications

Safety & Security

Radioactive Waste Management

Research & Development

Training

Total Staff: 260Scientists and Engineers 47%Support Staff

25%

Technicians28%

1999-2002: Construction of laboratories and associated facilities

2004-2006 : Construction of the TRIGA Mark II 2MW Research Reactor

Regional Training Center in the fields of radiation protection, Isotope hydrology, Industry and Nutrition (IAEA-AFRA)

National Center for NDT training and certification

National Support Training Center in Nuclear Security field with International assistance (IAEA, US DOE)

National Support Training for Emergency Preparedness and Nuclear Security (Emergency Response exercises, Nuclear Security exercises, ..)

Availability of a Research Reactor as powerful tool for training (Universities)

A new Training Center in Nuclear Science and Technology is under construction in the Maamora NRC

Human Ressources Development in Maamora NRC

IAEA Miletsones Approach and INIR Mission

Proper introduction of NPP program or project, it needs a careful planning and preparation of the required infrastructures recommended by IAEA in its Miletsones publication (NG-G-3.1),

In response to the recommendation of the Milestones approach, the Ministry of Energy of Morocco has set up, in 2009, a national committee called (CRED), equivalent to the IAEA’s Pre-NEPIO (Preliminary Nuclear Energy Implementing Organization). The CRED has representatives from various Moroccan organizations and institutions (Ministry of Energy, National Electricity and Water Utility, Maamora NRC, Regulatory Body, Ministry of Health, Nuclear engineers association, University,..)

Since its setting up, the CRED has organized itself into several working groups (WGs) and has produced two national Self Evaluation Reports (SERs). The latter report (2014) has served as the basis for the conduct of the IAEA’s INIR mission (Rabat 19-26 October 2015).

The INIR mission report found that Morocco has developed base of knowledge and experiencein nuclear activities in its preparation to make knowledgeable decision about introducingnuclear energy in its electrical system (phase 1 : take a knowledgeable decision).

A Integrated Work Plan has been drawn over the period 2016-2020 and the work is ongoing bythe CRED’s WG’s to implement the IAEA recommendations related to the 19 Infrastructuresissues and to prepare a Comprehensive Report summarizing the key elements for supporting theNational Decision.

INIR mission and IWP

56%14%

30%

Phase 1 conditions satisfied

Phase 1 conditions partially satisfied

Phase 1 conditions yet to be staisfied

2016-2020

The Comrehensive Report (Phase 1)

should be finalized in 2019/2020 for

Supporting National Decision

Phase 2 ?

The primary conclusions of national energy planning study

shows that using PWR GIII NPP of 1000 -1200 MWe, the

nuclear option is not part of the solution at the lowest costthat could be implemented in Moroccan electric system

due to the hight capital cost of these NPP (≈ 4000 to 5000

US$/kW);

The first NPP in Morocco using GIII technology could be

imlemented beyond 2030.

Incentives for SMR

The incentives for thinking about SMR in Morocco could be summarized in themain following aspects:

The Lower capital and investment cost due to lower power output range andshort construction period (modular construction) ;

the project risks are lower and their financing should be more easier (this isparticulary true for newcommers countries in nuclear power field) ;

The introduction of nuclear poxer option in the electric grid network (withmedium capacitives), will be more flexible with regard to the output powerrange ;

Morocco is a country with high penetration rate of Renewables Energy and SMRcould be a part of solution required to adjuste the electrical grid to offsetcyclical wind and solar generation (replacement of polluant coal and gazpower plants by SMR with high load following capabilities) ;

Using SMR in cogeneration of electricity and seawater desalination (to matchthe growing water demand) and or other industrial uses ;

The technology transfer and the national involvement (industrialparticipation/localisation and human ressources development) will be moreeffective and could be a springboard for more national involvment incomplexe NPP projects (NPP program);

The SMR inherent safety features is a strong incentive for public acceptanceand stakeholders involvement to implement the nuclear option.

But the the SMR technology should be a proven and commercialyavailable (we need Reference Plants)

CONCLUSION

the Nuclear Power Option remains a necessity because of its role in

greenhouse gas reduction and energy supply security,

Many newcomers from developing countries are interested and/or

involved in NPP Projects, including Morocco which considers Nuclear

Power as an option in its Energy Mix portfolio (Gaz and Renewables

Energy sources) if the safety and economics conditions are met,

The assessment and development of the necessary National NPP

Infrastructures, according the IAEA milestones approach, are ongoing,

The nuclear Option could be inserted in the national electrical grid

beyond 2030 based on a GIII proven technology with sufficient

operational and safety feedback (Reference Plants required),

The incentives for SMR are realistic due to many positive aspects (lower

capital cost & easier financing, high safety features, cogeneration uses,

Industrial and HR involvement, solution of grid adjustment with high

penetration of RE, less problematic vis a vis public & stakeholders

acceptance for nuclear option,,…)