Workshop - Non-Electric Applications of Nuclear Heat (GIF NEANH TF - IFNEC Workshop 2022)

Key messages from opening remarks

The workshop opening remarks highlighted the importance of pursuing non-electric applications of clean nuclear energy, and the pressing need for climate change mitigation. Nuclear energy provides an opportunity to support decarbonisation of the grid and industrial applications without sacrificing resilience and reliability.

There is significant documented precedent for using nuclear technologies for non-electric applications. Historically, these applications have included district heating, desalination, and limited industrial process heat applications. Although most of these applications were technically successful, they gained only limited market share in a context of inexpensive fossil fuels, the absence of emission restriction policies, and a lack of political support. The NEANH Task Force will build on these examples, complementing earlier initiatives that explored the greater opportunities for non-electric applications of nuclear heat. These initiatives include the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Industry Alliance (2010 – 2015) in the US and the End User Requirement for Process Heat Applications with Innovative Reactors for Sustainable Energy Supply (EUROPAIRS) initiative (2009 – 2011).

Outcomes of the panel discussion

There is a real opportunity for nuclear heat to support the decarbonisation of a wide range of energy applications, both electric and non-electric, driven by climate change policies internationally. Key points identified by the panelists and ensuing discussions are highlighted below.

• It is technically possible to couple these heat-intensive processes with nuclear energy, and there are successful precedents.
• There is a significant need for the development and sharing of detailed data by relevant parties, including validation of expected cost and performance data via demonstration projects.
• Certain reactor types are capable of delivering steam of 550°C as feedstock for standard industrial processes representing a very sizable market in most industrialized countries. An additional, equally large market for even higher temperatures can be supported by specific high temperature reactors and temperature boost technologies.
• In addition to primary heat transfer from the reactor core to power conversion that is standard in nuclear reactor designs, many advanced reactor developers propose an additional heat transfer loop with thermal energy storage to isolate the nuclear reactor from the heat customer. This would grant greater flexibility and enhanced safety of the overall integrated system.
• Nuclear energy is a “drop-in” solution expected to directly replace fossil fuel-powered steam supply operations, but may not be able to replace direct fossil fuel-fired operations.
• Hydrogen has promising applications, but its role should be considered on a case-by-case basis that considers the benefits it offers as a feedstock and/or energy carrier with respect to the intended energy use sectors, in addition to its potential for decarbonisation.
• There are a range of options for owner-operator models. Energy end-users do not desire to own and operate a reactor themselves, but are customers for nuclear-generated heat, steam, and electricity.
• Cost is a significant driver for adoption, as are energy security, reliability, and social acceptance. Regulatory processes are viewed as a significant barrier for adoption; clarity is needed regarding interaction across the regulatory bodies for nuclear systems and industrial processes.