Authors: Song Xu, Yiu Hin Martin Lu, Meiheriayi Mutailipu, Kanti Yan, Yaoli Zhang and Staffan Qvist
This study focuses on the first stage, which covers coal plants located on the coast in regions that already have nuclear power installations. The results show that:
1. There is a technical and economic basis for exploring nuclear power retrofit decarbonization.
2. This research provides a new pathway for the problem of stranded assets in China’s power sector decarbonization.
The use of high-temperature nuclear reactor modules for retrofit can save up to 1.2 trillion $ as well as retaining local jobs and economic activity in areas currently hosting coal plants, which brings to society great economic and social benefits.