Energy and Environmental Advantages of Cogeneration with Nuclear and Coal Electrical Utilities

摘要

The use of electrical-utility cogeneration from nuclear energy and coal is examined for improving regional energy-resource utilization efficiency and environmental performance. A case study is presented for a large and diverse hypothetical region which has nuclear and coal facilities in its electrical utility sector. Utility-based cogeneration is determined to reduce significantly annual use of uranium and coal, as well as other fossil fuels, and related emissions for the region and its electrical-utility sector. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are significant, indicating that utility-based cogeneration has a role in combating climate change.