Role of a Hybrid Energy System Comprising a Small/Medium-Sized Nuclear Reactor and a Biomass Processing Plant in a Scenario with a High Deployment of Onshore Wind Farms

Abstract

AbstractThe present article analyzes the potential contribution of a hybrid energy system in a scenario with a high deployment of wind farms. The hybrid energy system consists of a small/medium-sized nuclear reactor (SMR), a biomass processing plant, and an optional hydrogen production plant. The SMR operates at full power constantly and is able to switch its thermal output to supply the steam turbine for electricity generation or to supply the biomass production plant for heat processes. The hybrid energy system management is electricity demand following, so the sum of the electricity generated by both the hybrid energy system and the aggregated wind farm tends to meet electricity demand. The hydrogen production plant is considered to be an electricity consumer and operates during times of wind power surplus. Wind farm capacities of 100–2,000 MW were investigated. For these, the optimal SMR size in the hybrid energy system varies from 200 to 300 MWe. The increase in SMR size is limited owing to the maxi...