Interfacing Nuclear Power Plants with the Electric Grid: the Need for Reliability amid Complexity - NTR2009 Supplement

For a country that does not yet use nuclear power, the introduction and development of nuclear power is a major undertaking. It requires the country to build the necessary infrastructure so it can construct and operate a nuclear power plant (NPP) profitably in a safe, secure and technically sound manner. A major part of the necessary infrastructure is the electric grid to which the NPP will connect. While most countries already have an electric grid system, it may require significant development to be suitable for the connection of an NPP. The efficient, safe, secure and reliable operation of the NPP requires that the grid to which it connects is also efficient, safe, secure and reliable. This paper explains the characteristics of the electric grid, its relationship with the NPP, and the reasons why a reliable grid is so important to the NPP.