Resources

Investigating Benefits and Challenges of Converting Retiring Coal Plants into Nuclear Plants

August 19, 2022

The study assesses the potential to convert retired coal plants into nuclear energy sites in the U.S., finding that 80% of evaluated sites are suitable. A case study shows this transition could cut costs by 15-35% and boost local economies by adding jobs and increasing regional economic activity.

Evaluation of Nuclear Power Plant and Coal Power Plant Sites for New Nuclear Capacity

September 10, 2024

The System Analysis and Integration Campaign (SA&I) conducted a study to estimate the potential for siting new 600 MWe+ facilities at operational and recently retired coal and nuclear power plant sites. Using updated 2024 data and prior analysis tools, they assessed CPP sites, current NPP sites with canceled unit plans, and others based on aerial and visual analysis of site footprints.

The impact of coal to nuclear on regional energy system

September 25, 2024

This study examines the effects of converting coal-fired power plants to nuclear (C2N) on Guangdong Province's energy system. Through three hypothetical scenarios, it finds that increased nuclear capacity reduces fuel consumption, costs, and carbon emissions, potentially achieving near energy self-sufficiency by 2060. C2N is highlighted as a key strategy for carbon reduction and sustainable energy development.

Study on Conventional Island Retrofit Strategies for Converting Coal-Fired Power Plants to Nuclear Power Stations in China

September 25, 2024

Retrofitting coal-fired power plants with nuclear reactors presents a viable pathway for reducing carbon emissions in China's power industry. This study recommends using High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGR) due to their compatibility with existing coal plant infrastructure. The results highlight the potential of HTGR retrofitting, specifically the 210 MWe HTR-PM reactor, as a promising approach for decarbonization.

Investigation of potential sites for coal-to-nuclear energy transitions in the United States

September 10, 2024

The diversity in nuclear restrictions and energy prices across sites significantly influenced their suitability for nuclear deployment. The study also highlights the importance of regional attributes. It provides a targeted approach for policymakers, utilities, and energy modelers in prioritizing C2N transitions, marking a critical step toward the United States’ deep decarbonization goals.

DOE Study Finds Replacing Coal Plants with Nuclear Plants Could Bring Hundreds More Local Jobs and Millions in Added Income and Revenue to Energy Communities

April 24, 2024

Coal-to-nuclear transitions could dramatically increase the supply of reliable, clean electricity to the grid and make progress toward the nation’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Catalysing the Global Opportunity for Electrothermal Energy Storage

March 12, 2024

The report assesses the potential impact and market size of ETES technologies, identifies regulatory and policy gaps, and outlines necessary enablers to achieve this tipping point. Additionally, action plans for several countries are provided to guide policymakers and grid operators in scaling up ETES deployment.

Fossil Fuel Transitions Framework: Case studies of the decision-making process for energy and economic development pathways

January 15, 2024

As the global energy sector moves away from fossil fuels, communities are facing complex decisions on transitioning to sustainable energy and economic development. In response to requests from Net Zero World Initiative delegations, an analysis examined pathways for environmental remediation, economic recovery, and infrastructure repurposing in select U.S. and Chilean communities.

Mass Acquisition Of Early Site Permits For Coal-To-Nuclear Repowering

December 14, 2023

Cost–benefit analysis of coal plant repurposing in developing countries: A case study of India

November 28, 2023

This report discusses the cost-benefit analysis of coal plant repurposing in developing countries.

Coal Plant Repurposing For Ageing Coal Fleets In Developing Countries

November 28, 2023

This report examines the power situation in three developing countries, South Africa, Chile and India, based on their economic prowess within respective regions, predominance of coal in economic activities, and vulnerability to climate change, which make an interesting case for an analysis of repurposing coal plants in developing countries.

Evaluation of Suitability of Selected Set of Coal Plant Sites for Repowering with Small Modular Reactors

March 1, 2013

This report explains the approach that the ORNL developed for screening a sample set of “small” coal stations for possible repowering with SMRs, including spatial modelling and initial results.

TVA Coal-Fired Plant Potential for Advanced Reactor Siting

September 1, 2021

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed the Oak Ridge Siting Analysis for Power Generation Expansion (OR-SAGE) tool in response to studies on national electrical energy supply.

Gone with the Steam

October 1, 2021

How new nuclear power plants can re-energize communities when coal plants close

Transitioning Coal Power Plants to Nuclear Power

December 1, 2021

The purpose of this report is to provide information to utilities and other stakeholders for their consideration in transitioning a coal power plant to nuclear power.

NuScale SMR Technology. An Ideal Solution for Repurposing U.S. Coal Plant Infrastructure and Revitalizing Communities

December 22, 2021

The NuScale Power Company published a report advocating the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to replace coal-fired power plants.

Investigating Benefits and Challenges of Converting Retiring Coal Plants into Nuclear Plants

September 13, 2022

The report evaluates the potential for coal-to-nuclear (C2N) transitions by siting nuclear reactors at retired coal power plants in the United States.

Can Advanced Nuclear Repower Coal Country?

March 1, 2013

The report discusses whether advanced nuclear energy can help repower the Coal Country, i.e., the United States.

Repowering Coal-Fired Power Plants for Advanced Nuclear Generation

October 10, 2023

This report discusses key issues to consider and understand when evaluating whether closing coal-fired plants can effectively be repurposed for nuclear power generation.