Future nuclear power plants (NPPs) could be made more economical through cogeneration and waste heat recovery, as well as more accident proof through the introduction of low temperature (i.e. 40–50°C in some cases requiring a temperature gradient of 10°C) on-site desalination systems. Countries embarking on nuclear power could exploit the prospects of cogeneration and the use of waste heat from an NPP to increase the plant’s overall efficiency and achieve better energy utilization. Simultaneously, NPPs’ vulnerability to water shortage (e.g. in case of an accident or terrorist attacks) can be further reduced through the introduction of advanced technologies for low temperature desalination, specifically the distillation processes with utilization of waste heat or any other innovative means which allow for the production of necessary quantities of fresh water to meet on-site NPP requirements and make the plant more secure against external threats. The CRP has been planned on the basis of extensive feedback from many participants in Technical Meetings on non-electric applications and desalination technologies, and was further recommended by the Technical Working Group on Nuclear Desalination. It will be conducted by the Nuclear Power Technology Development Section within the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy.
Enhance the overall economics and cooling capability of NPPs.
Develop recommendations on the application of advanced low temperature desalination systems to supply nuclear power plants with water of required quality and quantity
Provide detailed case studies on the economics of cogeneration using waste heat from NPPs for non-electric applications
The CRP was planned with the scope to: enhance the nexus between NPPs and desalination; improve the overall economics of NPPs and enhance NPP safety through cogeneration; improve overall efficiency and reduce environmental impact of NPPs through the reuse of NPP Low temperature waste heat for non-electric applications; and to lead and coordinate the efforts of MSs on technical and economic aspects of cogeneration. The impact of the CRP was experienced through many publication claimed by CSIs (17 journal and conference papers by participating CSIs), and the training provided to 13 undergraduate and graduate students working on the topics related to the CRP studies.
This CRP was recommended by the 3rd TWD-ND as a solid step in the support provided to Member States interested in the development and deployment of practical technologies for nuclear cogeneration through the use of the low temperature heat, mainly for desalination application.