Feasibility Assessment of Flexible Future Energy Systems’ Integration with Nuclear Power Plant

Sammanfattning

As the global energy landscape shifts towards renewable sources, integrating flexible energy systems with existing nuclear power plants offers a promising solution to the challenges of grid stability, renewable energy integration, and decarbonization. This thesis explores the techno-economic feasibility of coupling flexible energy systems with the Oskarshamn Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Sweden. The systems analyzed include Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), Hydrogen-Methanol production, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and synchronous compensators, all of which play critical roles in balancing energy supply and demand while optimizing economic returns. The study evaluates how these technologies can participate in various energy markets, including day-ahead (DA) electricity trading, Frequency Containment Reserves (FCR), and other ancillary services. The integration of PHS and hydrogen-methanol production is particularly advantageous, as both systems provide substantial revenue streams by responding strategically to electricity prices and system needs. BESS, while less financially viable when solely participating in Fast Frequency Reserves (FFR), contributes significantly to grid stability during peak periods. The synchronous compensator enhances system reliability through voltage and inertia support, generating additional revenues through grid services. In addition to the technical and operational analysis, the thesis examines the financial support available for these systems. Sweden’s incentives, including ERA-Net SES funding for PHS, EU and national grants for hydrogen production, and tax exemptions for renewable energy projects, significantly reduce capital costs and improve the financial feasibility of these technologies. The study underscores the importance of optimizing the operation of each system to maximize profitability while contributing to Sweden’s goal of becoming carbonneutral by 2045. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrating flexible energy systems with nuclear infrastructure is not only feasible but essential for accelerating the transition to a sustainable, resilient, and decarbonized energy future. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, showing that the combined use of PHS, hydrogenmethanol production, BESS, and synchronous compensators can help address both technical and economic challenges in the evolving energy market.