Integrated Energy Systems Modeling and Simulation Challenges

Nuclear power plants exist to make electricity but along the way produce a lot of heat. What if they could use that heat for other processes that require thermal energy? Today, roughly 40% of all thermal energy is wasted. More efficient energy use would be better for the environment and more efficient for the plant owner. A power plant producing both electricity and heat leads to integrated energy systems (IES). IES couple nuclear, renewable and fossil energy sources. Such systems offer efficiencies that can lead to energy independence, economic competitiveness, job creation and smarter use of resources. Focusing IES development on enhanced utilization of low- or non-carbon-emitting energy generation options will help the U.S. to achieve the bold goals that have been established by the Biden administration including a 100% clean energy economy and net-zero emissions by 2050. However, IES have unique modeling and simulation challenges. This panel discussion will touch on them, including techno-economics with multi-commodity markets (electricity, heat, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, etc.), capacity expansion with endogenous market interactions, uncertainties in cost evaluations and governing control aspects for IES. The panel will also include an industry perspective presenting industry questions, challenges and gaps in IES M&S.

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