An ICTP-IAEA Virtual Meeting

This course will provide lectures and exercises on the phenomenology, research and development addressing new concepts in nuclear–renewable integrated energy systems (N-R IESs) for decarbonized energy production and cogeneration and share the knowledge on these technologies, designs and related innovations. Based on recent scientific novelties and research-supported analyses inclusive of the overview of the supporting numerical methods and codes to model such systems, the course will provide unique hands-on opportunities using the IAEA learning tools such as but not limited to E-learning modules and basic principle simulators. The scope of this course’s activities is selected on the basis of its importance to the international energy community with special emphasis on bringing together young professionals from developing and developed countries, and in increasing the participation of women scientists and engineers.

 

Nuclear–renewable integrated energy system (N-R IES) represents an integrated energy system encompassing nuclear power reactor(s), a composite of renewable energy sources, and industrial processes that can simultaneously address the need for electricity and heat, grid flexibility, optimal use of investment capital and ultimately climate change mitigation. With more than 170 parties having ratified the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, interest has increased in finding viable, financially sound and integrated solutions for providing low carbon, affordable, resilient energy production for generation of electricity, chemicals, process heat and fuels. Two principal options for low carbon energy are renewables, including hydropower and nuclear energy. There is an increased awareness in exploring this synergy of two with an accelerated interest in Member States on understanding the physics fundamentals of such systems, technical/institutional gaps and needs for innovation.

 

The course is intended to combine pedagogical materials with advanced research results and provide hands-on exercises using the IAEA basic principle simulators and E-learning modules. Thus, the course will provide a transfer of specific knowledge from international experts’ to young professionals and engineering analysts coming from nuclear regulatory agencies, academia, research institutes and/or private companies of the IAEA Member States in supporting their national human capacity development. Specifically, the course will contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenology and relevant R&D to enhance the capabilities and identify opportunities, gaps and challenges based on four-quadrant matrix (nuclear & renewables // heat & electricity) addressing reactor technologies (impacts to design phase; design innovation), enabling technologies (understanding of water chemistry, siting, dry versus wet cooling designs, etc.), as well as interfaces and integration schemes.

 

As part of the application, participants should submit min 1-page or max 2-page original essay, covering one of the course topics of their choice. The top five essays will be selected, and authors will prepare a 10-minute slide-presentation. The lecturers and participants will vote, and the best presenter will be announced at the closing of the course.

 

Topics:

 

Introduction

 

Phenomenology of N-R IES

 

Phenomenology of Technological Challenges with Case Studies

Uniquely to this course, the participants will have the opportunity for hands-on learning of relevant phenomena covered during the lectures using the IAEA learning tools and recently published documentation on close relevance to the course topics.

Registration: There is no registration fee.