CPOTE2024
|
8th
International Conference on
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-26 September 2024 | Gliwice, Poland | Hybrid event
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-26 September 2024 | Gliwice, Poland | Hybrid event
Abstract CPOTE2024-1075-A
Coal-to-nuclear decarbonization path – examples of potential Polish application
Dorota HOMA, Silesian University of Technology, PolandJakub OCHMANN, Silesian University of Technology, Poland
Łukasz BARTELA, Silesian University of Technology, Poland
Over the last decade, the structure of electricity production in Poland has undergone significant changes. There is a visible decline in energy production from coal: from 87% in 2015 to 63% in 2023, with a simultaneous increase in electricity from renewable sources - from 10% to 27%. This is a positive trend given the commitments to reduce gas emissions and achieve a net zero economy by 2050, a commitment under the European Green Deal. In parallel to the development of renewable energy, it is necessary to provide stable energy units that operate independently of weather conditions, such as nuclear energy units. The publication presents an analysis of the possibilities of conducting decarbonization process in Poland through coal-to-nuclear investments, which aim is to use - to varying degrees - the existing infrastructure of the decommissioned coal-fired unit. Main advantages of these investments are lower capital expenditure (comparing to “greenfield” investments) and significantly improved air quality in the area. Moreover, they constitute an important opportunity for regions for which the process of shutting down coal-fired units means loss of jobs, outflow of companies and human capital, and, consequently, impoverishment of the entire region. The article discusses various types of coal-to-nuclear investments, classified according to the degree of existing infrastructure use, and their potential to be carried out in Poland. The study analysed two potential locations for a nuclear power plant in Poland in terms of hydrological conditions due to the need for availability of cooling water. The results of the study indicated the potential range of possibilities for replacing existing coal-fired sources with Generation III nuclear reactors.
Keywords: Energy transition, Decarbonization, Coal-to-nuclear, Nuclear retrofit, Net zero economy
Acknowledgment: The paper was created as a result of the project: “Plan of decarbonization of the domestic power industry through modernization with the use of nuclear reactors”, financed by the National Center for Research and Development under the Program “Social and economic development of Poland in conditions of globalizing markets” GOSPOSTRATEG (Contract No.: Gospostrateg VI/0032/2021-00 dated March 15, 2022).