Economic Analysis of Nuclear Energy Cogeneration: A Comprehensive Review on Integrated Utilization

Guobin Jia, Guifeng Zhu (), Yang Zou (), Yuwen Ma, Ye Dai, Jianhui Wu and Jian Tian
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Guobin Jia: Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
Guifeng Zhu: Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
Yang Zou: Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
Yuwen Ma: Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
Ye Dai: Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
Jianhui Wu: Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
Jian Tian: Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-26

Abstract: Nuclear energy cogeneration, which integrates electricity generation with thermal energy utilization, presents a transformative pathway for enhancing energy efficiency and decarbonizing industrial and urban sectors. This comprehensive review synthesizes advancements in technological stratification, economic modeling, and sectoral practices to evaluate the viability of nuclear cogeneration as a cornerstone of low-carbon energy transitions. By categorizing applications based on temperature requirements (low: <250 °C, medium: 250–550 °C, high: >550 °C), the study highlights the adaptability of reactor technologies, including light water reactors (LWRs), high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), and molten salt reactors (MSRs), to sector-specific demands. Key findings reveal that nuclear cogeneration systems achieve thermal efficiencies exceeding 80% in low-temperature applications and reduce CO 2 emissions by 1.5–2.5 million tons annually per reactor by displacing fossil fuel-based heat sources. Economic analyses emphasize the critical role of cost allocation methodologies, with exergy-based approaches reducing levelized costs by 18% in high-temperature applications. Policy instruments, such as carbon pricing, value-added tax (VAT) exemptions, and subsidized loans, enhance project viability, elevating net present values by 25–40% for district heating systems. Case studies from Finland, China, and Canada demonstrate operational successes, including 30% emission reductions in oil sands processing and hydrogen production costs as low as USD 3–5/kg via thermochemical cycles. Hybrid nuclear–renewable systems further stabilize energy supply, reducing the levelized cost of heat by 18%. The review underscores the necessity of integrating Generation IV reactors, thermal storage, and policy alignment to unlock nuclear cogeneration’s full potential in achieving global decarbonization and energy security goals.

Keywords: nuclear cogeneration; economic analysis; reactor technologies; policy drivers; decarbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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