Internship | Modeling and Optimization of Small Modular Reactors

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About this position

Do you want to contribute to the energy transition by developing advanced models and optimization strategies for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) integrated into future hybrid energy systems?

SMRs are increasingly recognised as a promising technology to support reliable, low-carbon energy systems. Unlike conventional nuclear power plants, SMRs offer greater operational flexibility and can adapt their electricity and heat production to changing system conditions. This flexibility enables SMRs to complement intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar while contributing to grid stability and industrial decarbonisation.

In hybrid energy systems, SMRs can operate alongside technologies such as electrolysers, heat pumps, electric boilers, battery systems, compressed air energy storage, and underground hydrogen storage. By dynamically coupling electricity, heat, and hydrogen production, SMRs may play an important role in reducing renewable curtailment, improving energy security, and enabling large-scale industrial electrification.

The first step towards understanding this potential is the development of accurate and computationally efficient SMR models using OpenModelica and their integration into hybrid power plant simulations. Building on this modelling framework, the optimal sizing, operation, and configuration of SMRs and hybrid assets will be investigated under realistic renewable energy source (RES) profiles and industrial energy demands.

What will be your role?

In this internship/thesis project, you will contribute to the modelling and optimization of SMRs within integrated hybrid energy systems. Your work will focus on both the physical representation of SMR dynamics and the system-level optimization of multi-energy assets.

You will investigate how SMRs can provide flexibility services for electricity and heat systems while interacting with renewable generation and industrial energy hubs. Particular attention will be given to the role of SMRs in supporting electrification pathways for industrial clusters such as the Rotterdam port and industrial area.

The project will include one or more of the following research directions:

• Identification of SMR modelling gaps in the current literature and development of methodologies to address them.
• Development of dynamic SMR models in OpenModelica.
• Integration of SMR models with hybrid energy system components.
• Coupling of electricity, heat, and hydrogen sectors within an Energy Hub framework.
• Optimization of hybrid asset sizing and operational strategies.
• Techno-economic and operational analysis of SMR deployment scenarios.
• Development of a framework for comparing the operational costs of different SMR technologies across multiple applications and energy system configurations.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a motivated M.Sc. student with a strong interest in nuclear science, energy systems, modelling, and optimization. This internship is particularly suitable for students who enjoy combining theoretical research with practical implementation and simulation work.

Requirements:

You are in the final phase of your master’s degree in a field related to:

• Nuclear Science
• Applied Physics
• Energy Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Experience with modelling and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with optimization techniques and numerical methods.
• Programming experience in Modelica, Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Interest in integrated energy systems and industrial decarbonisation.

The duration of this internship/thesis project is between 6 and 12 months.

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject-specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of €615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration.