Proposal for Geodyn Solutions and Strategic Partner to Deploy Thorium-Based Nuclear Reactors in the Dominican Republic
Executive Summary
Geodyn Solutions, in collaboration with its strategic partner specializing in thorium technology, proposes the deployment of advanced thorium-based nuclear reactors to address the Dominican Republic’s high electricity costs, fossil fuel reliance, and hurricane vulnerabilities. This initiative aligns with the National Energy Plan and potential for FNPP. With a $3 billion budget, we recommend constructing two 300 MW thorium-based reactors (total 600 MW capacity), modeled after efficient thorium reactor designs that derive 60% of energy from thorium.
This proposal outlines the suggested location for optimal ROI, a detailed cost breakdown including 20% contingency, job creation estimates, environmental benefits, budget allocation, a 20-year ROI projection chart, and payback period. The project will improve reliability, reduce imports, and position the Dominican Republic as a nuclear leader in the Caribbean.
Technology Overview
Thorium-based reactors offer superior efficiency and safety compared to traditional uranium systems. Key features include:
- High fuel efficiency: Approximately 200g of thorium can generate significant energy output, supporting district-level power for extended periods.
- Safety: Passive cooling systems allow safe operation near populated areas.
- Waste reduction: Produces up to 90% less long-lived radioactive waste.
- Integration: Adaptable for the Dominican Republic’s gas-dominated grid, providing stable baseload.
These reactors will provide baseload power with a capacity factor of 92%, generating approximately 4.836 TWh annually from two 300 MW units combined.
Suggested Location for Best ROI
We recommend coastal sites near Santo Domingo or Punta Cana. This location offers:
- Seawater cooling, proximity to tourist/industrial demand, and port access, reducing costs by 18%.
- Low seismic risk and government interest in FNPP models.
- ROI optimization: High tariffs and tourism premiums; international aid ensures estimated ROI exceeds 18% annually post-payback.
Alternative inland sites offer lower ROI due to cooling challenges.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
The total project budget is $3 billion. Costs are optimized for island logistics.
Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) – $2.35 Billion (for Two 300 MW Reactors)
| Category | Description | Cost per Reactor ($ Million) | Total for Two Reactors ($ Million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Preparation & Infrastructure | Land acquisition, seismic upgrades, cooling systems, and grid integration. | 145 | 290 |
| Reactor Core & Fuel Systems | Thorium-uranium fuel assembly, breeding blankets, and initial thorium loading. | 400 | 800 |
| Turbine & Generator Sets | High-efficiency turbines adapted for thorium heat output. | 195 | 390 |
| Safety & Control Systems | Passive safety features, monitoring, and compliance. | 150 | 300 |
| Construction & Engineering | Labor, materials, and technology transfer. | 285 | 570 |
| Subtotal CAPEX | 1,175 | 2,350 |
Operational Expenditures (OPEX) – $145 Million Annually (Post-Commissioning)
| Category | Description | Annual Cost per Reactor ($ Million) | Total for Two Reactors ($ Million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel & Maintenance | Thorium fuel (low cost), refueling every 18-24 months. | 19 | 38 |
| Staffing & Operations | 800 personnel per plant (salaries, training). | 28 | 56 |
| Waste Management & Decommissioning | Minimal waste; thorium reduces long-term storage needs. | 10 | 20 |
| Regulatory & Insurance | Compliance with IAEA and Dominican standards. | 8 | 16 |
| Miscellaneous (Utilities, Upgrades) | Grid fees, minor repairs. | 7.5 | 15 |
| Subtotal OPEX | Equivalent to ~$30/MWh. | 72.5 | 145 |
20% Contingency
- Applied to CAPEX: $470 million.
- Total Project Cost with Contingency: $2.82 billion.
- Remaining Budget: $180 million.
Job Creation
The project will create jobs in the Dominican Republic’s tourism-driven economy:
- Construction Phase (3-5 Years): 4,200 jobs.
- Operational Phase (Ongoing): 1,600 direct jobs (average salaries ~$9,000/year).
- Indirect Jobs: 3,200.
- Total: Over 9,000 jobs in the first decade, contributing ~$140 million annually in wages.
Environmental Benefits
Thorium reactors support the Dominican Republic’s climate goals:
- Zero CO2 Emissions: Avoids ~3.6 million tons CO2 annually (displacing gas).
- Reduced Waste: 80-90% less transuranic waste.
- Resource Efficiency: Minimizes fuel imports.
- Safety & Biodiversity: Passive safety; coastal siting protects reefs.
- Sustainability: Enhances resilience to hurricanes.
Budget Utilization
The $3 billion budget covers all phases:
- CAPEX + Contingency: $2.82 billion (94% allocation).
- Pre-Construction: $50 million.
- Training & Partnerships: $40 million.
- Reserve: $90 million.
20-Year ROI Chart
Assumptions:
- Annual Generation: 4.836 TWh.
- Selling Price: $0.12/kWh (based on tariffs).
- Annual Revenue: $580 million.
- Annual OPEX: $145 million.
- Net Annual Cash Flow: $435 million.
- Initial Investment: $2.82 billion.
| Year | Annual Revenue ($M) | Annual OPEX ($M) | Net Cash Flow ($M) | Cumulative Cash Flow ($M) | ROI (%) (Cumulative Net / Investment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 435 | 15.4 |
| 2 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 870 | 30.9 |
| 3 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 1,305 | 46.3 |
| 4 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 1,740 | 61.7 |
| 5 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 2,175 | 77.1 |
| 6 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 2,610 | 92.6 |
| 7 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 3,045 | 108.0 |
| 8 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 3,480 | 123.4 |
| 9 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 3,915 | 138.8 |
| 10 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 4,350 | 154.3 |
| 11 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 4,785 | 169.7 |
| 12 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 5,220 | 185.1 |
| 13 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 5,655 | 200.5 |
| 14 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 6,090 | 215.9 |
| 15 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 6,525 | 231.4 |
| 16 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 6,960 | 246.8 |
| 17 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 7,395 | 262.2 |
| 18 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 7,830 | 277.7 |
| 19 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 8,265 | 293.1 |
| 20 | 580 | 145 | 435 | 8,700 | 308.5 |
Over 20 years, cumulative net cash flow: $8.7 billion, total ROI: 309% (average annual ~15.4%).
Payback Time
The initial investment of $2.82 billion is recovered in approximately 6.5 years.
Conclusion
This proposal positions Geodyn Solutions and its partner to deliver transformative energy solutions for the Dominican Republic. We recommend immediate feasibility studies and stakeholder engagements. For further details, contact Geodyn Solutions.
