Nuclear Integrated Energy System demonstrator- facilitated exploration of UK options.

UKNNL is currently exploring the role that nuclear can play in an integrated energy system, beyond ‘baseload electricity’, such as hydrogen and alternative fuels, cogeneration, and industrial and district heat. However, our insight is currently limited by the lack of nuclear-coupled energy system demonstration and testing facilities. Modelling and analysis cannot develop much further without underpinning experimental data.

The purpose of this work is to explore and evaluate solutions to this problem, whether this is a new dedicated UKNNL facility, or collaboration with existing energy system facilities in academia or industry. Nuclear coupling could come from ‘hardware’ (links to real nuclear facilities) or ‘software-in-the-loop’, such as simulated nuclear steam that represents that from a real plant. It is believed this will help troubleshoot, improve and quantify the benefits of nuclear-coupling for a variety of technologies. In turn, this will allow us to better advise government on future decarbonisation strategies.

The consultant will deliver for UKNNL an outline of a business case for investment in this capability. This should include:

Strategic case: UKNNL’s role in supporting the delivery of UK government policy of sustainable low carbon energy.

Economic case: The impact of UKNNL investment in creating public value including value for money, employment opportunities and social value.

Commercial case: Identification of customers and revenue generation opportunities from the investment. This should also consider if there are ways to deliver the same outcomes through the existing supply chain.

Financial case: Analysis of the level of investment required including impact on UKNNL’s economic performance (initial NPV and IRR).

Management case: Assessment as to whether UKNNL is capable of delivering the project including whether we have the systems and processes in place to deliver the scope.

The work will involve working with internal experts in UKNNL from technical, S&T and commercial leads, reviewing our processes and procedures and reviewing the external policy landscape in which this concept will sit. UKNNL will supply its currently available data relevant to the assessment. The scope will exclude detailed planning of activities and commercial breakdown. The consultant will support financial assessment with financial modelling as appropriate in order to determine approximate cost figures for potential investment options.