Development of a Conceptual Framework for Licensing of Nuclear Cogeneration Plants: Insights based on the Indian Experience and Global Best Practices

Abstract

Nuclear cogeneration projects represent industrial scale non-electric applications of nuclear power, providing value added products and services such as freshwater, high grade heat, hydrogen and other power fuels, district heating, etc. These projects are typically coupled (either thermally and/or electrically) to the secondary cycle of the power plant and can cater to multiple on and off site users. With growing interest in nuclear power and increasing recognition of the role of the nuclear derived products and services in decarbonization, climate change management and sustainable development, there is a need to develop a harmonized, risk-informed, technology-neutral and flexible licensing process for such facilities. This work addresses various aspects of this theme and describes the additional considerations required in developing a licensing scheme for nuclear cogeneration projects. It examines the role of the coupling schemes and how they create potential feedback loops with the nuclear reactor, which are issues of regulatory concern. Finally, it attempts to formulate a generic licensing process workflow that could find widespread acceptance, particularly in newcomer nuclear nations considering cogeneration opportunities for sustainable water and energy security. A set of recommendations are also provided to guide global cooperation in developing the proposed scheme into a working solution that is universally applicable, irrespective of the exact regulatory framework in a country