Examining the feasibility of nuclear-renewable hybrid energy system in Korea: A case-based analysis of high penetrations of solar energy

Abstract

In 2017, as part of an effort to reduce CO2 emissions, Korea declared its plan to increase the contribution of renewables from 9% to 33% of its total installed capacity by 2030. To this end, it is crucial to harmonize the existing low CO2 baseload generators (ie, nuclear power plants) with more variable and uncertain generation sources such as photovoltaic (PV) plants. In this study, we propose a nuclear and renewable hybrid energy system (NHES) configuration that combines the nuclear power fleet, PV plants, and industrial demand response (DR) resources, to address technical and economic issues arising from high penetrations of PV capacity. Employing a day-ahead scheduling method, the effectiveness of harnessing industrial DR as energy storage for Korea's nuclear fleet was evaluated with an emphasis on grid flexibility, operation costs, and CO2 emissions. The findings of this study show how the NHES could broaden Korea's affordable low-carbon paths and technical options, which are promising for short-term applications.