Specific Infrastructure Considerations for Nuclear Energy Applications Beyond Electricity

Nuclear energy provides a reliable and abundant source of clean and dispatchable power. Combined with electricity generation the use of nuclear heat for applications such as industrial processes, district heating, desalination and hydrogen production can enable efficiency gains and support the decarbonization of industrial and residential sectors. As nations seek energy security and carbon neutrality, these applications are being increasingly considered by Member States to help decarbonize high-energy-consuming and hard-to-abate sectors. The IAEA’s Milestones approach provides guidance on the infrastructure and ensuing related activities which are needed to successfully deploy nuclear programmes. Compared to conventional nuclear projects intended for sole power generation, however, nuclear projects for applications beyond electricity may present greater complexity and new challenges. This publication complements the guidance laid out in the milestones approach, providing further support to Member States interested in the planning, evaluation and deployment of projects for beyond electricity applications.