Nuclear cogeneration: A new approach to nuclear power
New nuclear power systems such as very high temperature reactors ((V)HTRs) have the potential to generate safe and efficient power in the form of heat and electricity. Coupling such a system with conventional industrial processes can save on fossil fuel use and considerably reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The EU-funded EUROPAIRS project was established to investigate the technical and economic boundary conditions of this coupling concept. The project received input from nuclear and process industries, as well as from researchers working on (V)HTR technologies. Team members investigated the capabilities of (V)HTR as a heat source for industrial processes, as well as specific end-user requirements. They also investigated economic, legal and safety issues around the development of this so-called nuclear cogeneration model. The information produced was then used to develop a demonstration model, which showed that the concept was economically and technologically viable in the medium term. Another output from the project was a roadmap for the communication and future deployment of the nuclear cogeneration strategy. EUROPAIRS concluded that with relatively little technological development, nuclear cogeneration is a feasible and desirable strategy for power and heat generation. The next step will be to develop an industrial prototype for testing purposes.
