The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, in partnership with the National Association of State Energy Officials, on Oct. 7 released a new report, Energy and Industrial Use Cases for Advanced Nuclear Reactors.
The report “offers a comprehensive overview of potential alternative use cases for advanced nuclear energy, highlighting key considerations and critical questions for state utility regulators and State Energy Offices,” NARUC said.
“Advanced nuclear energy is gaining momentum as a key component of state energy strategies, with significant project growth anticipated over the next decade. Public utility commissions and State Energy Offices are crucial in facilitating the development and integration of these initiatives,” NARUC said. “Given that more states are exploring advanced nuclear options and the significant role that state entities will play in future projects, it is helpful for them to understand the various use cases being implemented or developed, both in the U.S. and internationally.”
“Advanced nuclear technology is poised to be a transformative force in our energy landscape,” said Commissioner Nick Myers of the Arizona Corporation Commission and vice chair of the NARUC Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal. “This new report is a timely resource as we explore how these reactors can be utilized not only for generating electricity but also for various industrial applications. By providing a detailed analysis of potential use cases, the report equips state officials with the knowledge needed to support and guide the integration of advanced nuclear energy into our broader energy strategies.”
Although advanced nuclear is a newer form of energy production under consideration, various states have already begun preparing for advanced reactors by developing reports and forming working groups to address state-level considerations for advanced reactor technology, NARUC noted.
The preliminary plans under development by states emphasize the need to understand advanced nuclear applications, both in the power sector and more broadly, and concurrently examine state-specific opportunities, it said.
“This report outlines the key attributes that could make advanced reactors attractive for use cases in addition to conventional electricity generation. These attributes include their safety profile, ability to produce high temperatures, flexible output, modular construction, unit size and capabilities for ramping and black start,” said NARUC Center for Partnerships & Innovation Senior Director Danielle Sass Byrnett. “NARUC identified ten use cases that could be appropriate based on the key attributes, which will provide value for states as they explore innovative ways to incorporate advanced nuclear into their energy portfolios.”
Energy and Industrial Use Cases for Advanced Nuclear Reactors was produced under the NARUC-NASEO Advanced Nuclear State Collaborative, an initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Energy-NARUC Nuclear Energy Partnership.
Read and download the full report at https://bit.ly/3BvyCoW.
