This report provides results of an analysis of two nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems.
October 12, 2017
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Nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems (N-R HESs) are defined as co-managed systems that link a nuclear reactor that generates heat, a thermal power cycle for heat-to-electricity conversion, at least one renewable energy source, and an industrial process that uses thermal and/or electrical energy. N-R HESs have the potential to generate dispatchable, very low-carbon electricity without emitting sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, or particulates while simultaneously providing very low-carbon thermal energy to industry without emitting other pollutants. N-R HESs might be able to provide both forms of energy at a lower cost than alternatives.
This report provides results of an analysis of two N-R HES scenarios. The study was conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (Office of Advanced Reactor Technology) and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Office of Strategic Programs, Strategic Priorities and Impact Analysis Team).