Title: Climate mitigation implications of small modular reactor-integrated microgrids in baseload power-centric smart cities

Authors: Tae Ho Woo; Chang Hyun Baek; Kyung Bae Jang

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Control Engineering, Korea Cyber University, No. 106 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03051, South Korea ' Department of Mechanical and Control Engineering, Korea Cyber University, No. 106 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03051, South Korea ' Department of Electrical Engineering, Kangwon National University, 150 Namwon-ro, Heungeop-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26403, South Korea

Abstract: This study uses the system dynamics method with Vensim to analyse microgrids integrating fossil fuels, Small modular reactor-based nuclear, and renewable energy for climate mitigation. Across four 50-year scenarios, Current2 shows the strongest results - its power grid rises nearly 800 times, and smart city integrity increases over 200 times, making it most suitable for smart city applications. Statistical analysis confirms that Current2 has the highest variability. As AI-driven industries increase power demand, nuclear energy becomes increasingly vital to stabilise supply and complement intermittent renewables, supporting sustainable energy transition and climate change response.

Keywords: climate mitigation; microgrid; baseload; energy; small modular reactor; SMR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2026.155841

International Journal of Global Warming, 2026 Vol.39 No.4, pp.421 - 432

Received: 07 May 2025
Accepted: 09 Nov 2025
Published online: 24 Aug 2026 *

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