Publisher: MIT CANES; Idaho National Laboratory; Exelon
Date: September 2019
Title: Heat Storage Coupled to Generation IV Reactors for Variable Electricity from Base-load Reactors — Abstract and Executive Summary
MIT–INL–Exelon workshop summary on coupling thermal energy storage to Gen IV reactors to deliver flexible power: charge storage at low/negative prices and discharge to meet peaks, using nitrate/chloride salts, concrete, rock, and Brayton/Rankine cycle configurations. GWh-scale thermal storage is multiple times cheaper per kWh(e) than batteries; higher reactor outlet temperatures cut storage size and costs. Recommends separating the nuclear island from the power block and hot/cold tanks, piloting storage on LWRs to de-risk operations and regulation, and pursuing joint nuclear–CSP R&D.