TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Technologies – Future Pathways
Solar, Wind and Nuclear Integration
Forum 21 | Technical Programme Hall 4
28
April
14:30
16:00
UTC+3
This forum will delve into challenges and opportunities of integrating these diverse energy sources into a cohesive power supply system. It will explore the latest advancements in grid technology, storage solutions, and policy frameworks that enable seamless integration. Participants will learn about the roles of solar and wind in complementing nuclear energy, the importance of balancing supply and demand, and strategies for maximising efficiency and reliability. The session will also address the environmental impacts and regulatory considerations associated with each energy source, offering a comprehensive overview of their synergistic potential in a sustainable energy future.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a leading technology for indoor photovoltaic (IPV) applications due to their tunable bandgap, high power conversion efficiency (PCE), and suitability for low light environments. The increasing demand for energy-efficient, self-powered IoT devices highlights the need for optimized PSCs under artificial lighting. This thesis explores compositional and interfacial engineering strategies to enhance efficiency and stability under diverse indoor lighting conditions. The objectives include bandgap optimization through halide engineering, defect passivation, and the evaluation of structural, optical, and electrical properties of perovskite films. This work was focused on the double cation known as FAx-1CsxPb(Iy-1-Bry)3 composition with bandgaps of 1.55, 1.72, and 1.88 eV to match the indoor light spectrum .The optimized FA0.90Cs0.10Pb(I0.98-Br0.02)3 composition achieves a PCE of 31.3% under 250 lux, while FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.55-Br0.45)3 reaches 36.6%. and FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.15-Br0.85)3 achieves an exceptional PCE of 37.4%, demonstrating superior performance under low-intensity conditions. Compared to other indoor photovoltaics, these PSCs exhibit superior efficiency, highlighting their potential for next-generation energy harvesting. These findings advance perovskite photovoltaics for self-powered electronics, offering practical guidelines for optimizing device performance in applications such as IoT sensors and smart home devices.
Environmental impacts and regulatory considerations are critical to this integrаtion. Nuclear, solar, and wind energy offer low-carbon benefits but face distinct challenges, including nucleаr waste management, land use for renewables, and intermittency. Robust policy frameworks are essential to provide incentives and regulatory clarity, particularly for emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
In Türkiye, renewable energy projects like the Karаpınar Solar Power Plant and Çanakkale Wind Farm already contribute significantly to the grid. Future plans include deploying SMRs to provide a stable, low-carbon baseload, enhancing the synergy with solar and wind resources. This model of integration offers a blueprint for sustainable energy systems. However, the intermittent nаture of renewables necessitates firm, dispatchаble power. Here, nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, offers a compelling solution. Türkiye’s first nuclear plant, the 4.8 GW Akkuyu NPP, will provide stable baseload power by 2025, while NUCLEAN’s SMR initiatives aim to enhance grid flexibility, especially for energy-intensive sectors like dаta centers. By coupling SMRs with Türkiye’s burgeoning renewables, the nation can balance supply-demand dynamics, reduce curtailment, and accelerate its net-zero roadmap. Critical to this integration are advancements in grid modernization, such as AI-driven load forecasting and distributed energy manаgement systems, alongside scalable storage solutions like lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro. Türkiye’s 1.5 GW Gökçekaya Pumped Storage Project highlights the importance of storage in bridging intermittent and firm generation.
Similarly, Arаbic countries with abundant solar potential can blend renewables with nuclear energy—the cleanest source by emissions standards. The Gulf region presents a parallel opportunity. The UAE’s Barakаh Nuclear Plant—a 5.6 GW facility supplying 25% of the nation’s electricity—demonstrates nuclear energy’s role in decarbonizing fossil fuel-dependent grids. Saudi Arabia’s plans to deploy 17 GW of nuclear capacity by 2040, alongside its 58.7 GW solаr target, underscore a regional shift toward hybrid systems. Nuclear’s high capacity factors and zero-emission profile complement solar’s daytime generation pеaks, enabling 24/7 clean energy access. For arid GCC nations, SMRs could also power desalination and hydrogen production, addressing wаter scarcity while advancing climate goals.
The pursuit of a sustainable and secure energy future necessitates the strategic convergence of diverse enеrgy resources. Policy framеworks and regulatory environments exert a significant influence on the successful deployment of hybrid energy systems. Harnessing the complementary strengths of renеwables and nuclear energy is not merеly an option but a fundamental imperative for forging a resilient and sustainable energy future for all.
In Türkiye, renewable energy projects like the Karаpınar Solar Power Plant and Çanakkale Wind Farm already contribute significantly to the grid. Future plans include deploying SMRs to provide a stable, low-carbon baseload, enhancing the synergy with solar and wind resources. This model of integration offers a blueprint for sustainable energy systems. However, the intermittent nаture of renewables necessitates firm, dispatchаble power. Here, nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, offers a compelling solution. Türkiye’s first nuclear plant, the 4.8 GW Akkuyu NPP, will provide stable baseload power by 2025, while NUCLEAN’s SMR initiatives aim to enhance grid flexibility, especially for energy-intensive sectors like dаta centers. By coupling SMRs with Türkiye’s burgeoning renewables, the nation can balance supply-demand dynamics, reduce curtailment, and accelerate its net-zero roadmap. Critical to this integration are advancements in grid modernization, such as AI-driven load forecasting and distributed energy manаgement systems, alongside scalable storage solutions like lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro. Türkiye’s 1.5 GW Gökçekaya Pumped Storage Project highlights the importance of storage in bridging intermittent and firm generation.
Similarly, Arаbic countries with abundant solar potential can blend renewables with nuclear energy—the cleanest source by emissions standards. The Gulf region presents a parallel opportunity. The UAE’s Barakаh Nuclear Plant—a 5.6 GW facility supplying 25% of the nation’s electricity—demonstrates nuclear energy’s role in decarbonizing fossil fuel-dependent grids. Saudi Arabia’s plans to deploy 17 GW of nuclear capacity by 2040, alongside its 58.7 GW solаr target, underscore a regional shift toward hybrid systems. Nuclear’s high capacity factors and zero-emission profile complement solar’s daytime generation pеaks, enabling 24/7 clean energy access. For arid GCC nations, SMRs could also power desalination and hydrogen production, addressing wаter scarcity while advancing climate goals.
The pursuit of a sustainable and secure energy future necessitates the strategic convergence of diverse enеrgy resources. Policy framеworks and regulatory environments exert a significant influence on the successful deployment of hybrid energy systems. Harnessing the complementary strengths of renеwables and nuclear energy is not merеly an option but a fundamental imperative for forging a resilient and sustainable energy future for all.
Energy Systems Integration (ESI) involving renewable energy and traditional energy can play a vital role in delivery of reliable & cost-effective energy services, along with substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Concentrated Solar Technologies (CST) is one such RE technology that holds good potential and is highly suitable for such integration process, especially in high energy density refinery & petrochemical complex. This paper tries to bring out ways to address optimum CST RE integration within existing Refineries & Petrochemical complex, not only for existing complex but also for new projects. The paper will go on to demonstrate how this can reduce the Capex & Opex spend for energy, without compromising on reliability, dispatchability, capacity utilization and flexibility in operation.
Application:
Refinery & petrochemical complex have their own captive power plants which provide both power and steam for the complex, not only during stable operations but also during startups / shutdowns / turndowns / black outs etc. Integration of CST with CPP holds good promise of increasing the overall efficiency of steam & power generation, and also carbon reduction. The main concept of a novel integration mechanism includes replacing a part of the steam being used in the process / power complex with the steam produced from the solar installation. This hybrid integration mechanism is having advantages to generate superheated steam through solar based system, reduction of steam generation in the fossil fuel CPP complex and as a result, reduction in fuel consumption in the boiler. Additionally, there are many other possible mechanisms for integrating solar energy into a Captive power plant, such as air preheating, feed water preheating, steam superheating, steam reheating, CO2 & NOX capturing (flue gas cleaning), etc.
Results and Conclusions:
Based on design & analysis of realistic data scenarios both for new and existing projects, it is demonstrated that such integration not only reduces the downstream investment cost of Balance of Plants, but also mitigates the challenges associated with solar radiation fluctuation & climatic condition thus helping to overcome the main drawback associated with such RE sources. As one such example, a complex located in high Solar radiation zone, with additional area of ~1,20,000 sq.m & additional capital cost of USD ~30 million can have additional integrated generation with 50 TPH of Superheated steam at 50 bar.
Technical Contributions:
Case Studies: Integration of CST with CPP for a Refinery and an Integrated Petrochemical Complex
Keywords:
Energy Systems integration (ESI), Captive Power Plant (CPP), Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST), Boiler Feed Water (BFW), Capex, Opex.
Co-author/s:
Dhiman Deb, Senior General Manager, Engineers India Limited.
Application:
Refinery & petrochemical complex have their own captive power plants which provide both power and steam for the complex, not only during stable operations but also during startups / shutdowns / turndowns / black outs etc. Integration of CST with CPP holds good promise of increasing the overall efficiency of steam & power generation, and also carbon reduction. The main concept of a novel integration mechanism includes replacing a part of the steam being used in the process / power complex with the steam produced from the solar installation. This hybrid integration mechanism is having advantages to generate superheated steam through solar based system, reduction of steam generation in the fossil fuel CPP complex and as a result, reduction in fuel consumption in the boiler. Additionally, there are many other possible mechanisms for integrating solar energy into a Captive power plant, such as air preheating, feed water preheating, steam superheating, steam reheating, CO2 & NOX capturing (flue gas cleaning), etc.
Results and Conclusions:
Based on design & analysis of realistic data scenarios both for new and existing projects, it is demonstrated that such integration not only reduces the downstream investment cost of Balance of Plants, but also mitigates the challenges associated with solar radiation fluctuation & climatic condition thus helping to overcome the main drawback associated with such RE sources. As one such example, a complex located in high Solar radiation zone, with additional area of ~1,20,000 sq.m & additional capital cost of USD ~30 million can have additional integrated generation with 50 TPH of Superheated steam at 50 bar.
Technical Contributions:
Case Studies: Integration of CST with CPP for a Refinery and an Integrated Petrochemical Complex
Keywords:
Energy Systems integration (ESI), Captive Power Plant (CPP), Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST), Boiler Feed Water (BFW), Capex, Opex.
Co-author/s:
Dhiman Deb, Senior General Manager, Engineers India Limited.
The integration of nuclear, solar, and wind energy sources in a cohesive and reliable energy system is contingent upon not only new technologies but also on the sustainable operation of existing infrastructure. Nuclear Research Reactors (NRRs), which support critical applications in radioisotope production, materials science, and advanced reactor development, are central to this ecosystem. However, the majority of NRRs worldwide are over 40 years old, thereby requiring structured aging management strategies to ensure safety, performance, and continuity.
This study focuses on the regulatory and technical aspects of aging management for nuclear research reactors in Brazil. It presents an original and systematic proposal to strengthen the national regulatory framework through the incorporation of established international best practices from credible bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC). The research highlights the Brazilian case of the TRIGA® (or Triga) IPR-R1 reactor, operated for over six decades, as a model for implementing long-term aging management policies.
The proposed approach addresses the assessment of physical degradation, obsolescence of instrumentation and control systems, environmental stressors, and administrative challenges. It incorporates tools such as Time-Limited Aging Analyses (TLAA), Periodic Safety Review (PSR), and structured monitoring of structures, systems, and components (SSCs). By adapting global standards to national realities, the study outlines a path for sustainable operation and regulatory modernization.
In the broader context of energy transition, well-managed research reactors contribute to nuclear innovation, enhance system reliability when coupled with intermittent renewables, and enable hydrogen production technologies. Thus, aging management is not merely a maintenance issue — rather, it is a strategic enabler of a resilient and decarbonized energy future.
This research contributes to the regulatory discussion on aging management and supports the integration of nuclear research infrastructure into a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Co-author/s:
Amir Mesquita, Professor, CDTN/Cnen.
Daniel Palma, Regulatory Management, Cnen.
This study focuses on the regulatory and technical aspects of aging management for nuclear research reactors in Brazil. It presents an original and systematic proposal to strengthen the national regulatory framework through the incorporation of established international best practices from credible bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC). The research highlights the Brazilian case of the TRIGA® (or Triga) IPR-R1 reactor, operated for over six decades, as a model for implementing long-term aging management policies.
The proposed approach addresses the assessment of physical degradation, obsolescence of instrumentation and control systems, environmental stressors, and administrative challenges. It incorporates tools such as Time-Limited Aging Analyses (TLAA), Periodic Safety Review (PSR), and structured monitoring of structures, systems, and components (SSCs). By adapting global standards to national realities, the study outlines a path for sustainable operation and regulatory modernization.
In the broader context of energy transition, well-managed research reactors contribute to nuclear innovation, enhance system reliability when coupled with intermittent renewables, and enable hydrogen production technologies. Thus, aging management is not merely a maintenance issue — rather, it is a strategic enabler of a resilient and decarbonized energy future.
This research contributes to the regulatory discussion on aging management and supports the integration of nuclear research infrastructure into a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Co-author/s:
Amir Mesquita, Professor, CDTN/Cnen.
Daniel Palma, Regulatory Management, Cnen.
Xiaoli Zhao
Chair
Vice Dean, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor
School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum
Mubarak Alhajeri
Vice Chair
Assistant Professor
Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, PAAET
Hans Koopman
Vice Chair
Executive Vice President, Clean Energy Solutions
TÜV Nord Group
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a leading technology for indoor photovoltaic (IPV) applications due to their tunable bandgap, high power conversion efficiency (PCE), and suitability for low light environments. The increasing demand for energy-efficient, self-powered IoT devices highlights the need for optimized PSCs under artificial lighting. This thesis explores compositional and interfacial engineering strategies to enhance efficiency and stability under diverse indoor lighting conditions. The objectives include bandgap optimization through halide engineering, defect passivation, and the evaluation of structural, optical, and electrical properties of perovskite films. This work was focused on the double cation known as FAx-1CsxPb(Iy-1-Bry)3 composition with bandgaps of 1.55, 1.72, and 1.88 eV to match the indoor light spectrum .The optimized FA0.90Cs0.10Pb(I0.98-Br0.02)3 composition achieves a PCE of 31.3% under 250 lux, while FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.55-Br0.45)3 reaches 36.6%. and FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.15-Br0.85)3 achieves an exceptional PCE of 37.4%, demonstrating superior performance under low-intensity conditions. Compared to other indoor photovoltaics, these PSCs exhibit superior efficiency, highlighting their potential for next-generation energy harvesting. These findings advance perovskite photovoltaics for self-powered electronics, offering practical guidelines for optimizing device performance in applications such as IoT sensors and smart home devices.
The integration of nuclear, solar, and wind energy sources in a cohesive and reliable energy system is contingent upon not only new technologies but also on the sustainable operation of existing infrastructure. Nuclear Research Reactors (NRRs), which support critical applications in radioisotope production, materials science, and advanced reactor development, are central to this ecosystem. However, the majority of NRRs worldwide are over 40 years old, thereby requiring structured aging management strategies to ensure safety, performance, and continuity.
This study focuses on the regulatory and technical aspects of aging management for nuclear research reactors in Brazil. It presents an original and systematic proposal to strengthen the national regulatory framework through the incorporation of established international best practices from credible bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC). The research highlights the Brazilian case of the TRIGA® (or Triga) IPR-R1 reactor, operated for over six decades, as a model for implementing long-term aging management policies.
The proposed approach addresses the assessment of physical degradation, obsolescence of instrumentation and control systems, environmental stressors, and administrative challenges. It incorporates tools such as Time-Limited Aging Analyses (TLAA), Periodic Safety Review (PSR), and structured monitoring of structures, systems, and components (SSCs). By adapting global standards to national realities, the study outlines a path for sustainable operation and regulatory modernization.
In the broader context of energy transition, well-managed research reactors contribute to nuclear innovation, enhance system reliability when coupled with intermittent renewables, and enable hydrogen production technologies. Thus, aging management is not merely a maintenance issue — rather, it is a strategic enabler of a resilient and decarbonized energy future.
This research contributes to the regulatory discussion on aging management and supports the integration of nuclear research infrastructure into a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Co-author/s:
Amir Mesquita, Professor, CDTN/Cnen.
Daniel Palma, Regulatory Management, Cnen.
This study focuses on the regulatory and technical aspects of aging management for nuclear research reactors in Brazil. It presents an original and systematic proposal to strengthen the national regulatory framework through the incorporation of established international best practices from credible bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC). The research highlights the Brazilian case of the TRIGA® (or Triga) IPR-R1 reactor, operated for over six decades, as a model for implementing long-term aging management policies.
The proposed approach addresses the assessment of physical degradation, obsolescence of instrumentation and control systems, environmental stressors, and administrative challenges. It incorporates tools such as Time-Limited Aging Analyses (TLAA), Periodic Safety Review (PSR), and structured monitoring of structures, systems, and components (SSCs). By adapting global standards to national realities, the study outlines a path for sustainable operation and regulatory modernization.
In the broader context of energy transition, well-managed research reactors contribute to nuclear innovation, enhance system reliability when coupled with intermittent renewables, and enable hydrogen production technologies. Thus, aging management is not merely a maintenance issue — rather, it is a strategic enabler of a resilient and decarbonized energy future.
This research contributes to the regulatory discussion on aging management and supports the integration of nuclear research infrastructure into a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Co-author/s:
Amir Mesquita, Professor, CDTN/Cnen.
Daniel Palma, Regulatory Management, Cnen.
Energy Systems Integration (ESI) involving renewable energy and traditional energy can play a vital role in delivery of reliable & cost-effective energy services, along with substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Concentrated Solar Technologies (CST) is one such RE technology that holds good potential and is highly suitable for such integration process, especially in high energy density refinery & petrochemical complex. This paper tries to bring out ways to address optimum CST RE integration within existing Refineries & Petrochemical complex, not only for existing complex but also for new projects. The paper will go on to demonstrate how this can reduce the Capex & Opex spend for energy, without compromising on reliability, dispatchability, capacity utilization and flexibility in operation.
Application:
Refinery & petrochemical complex have their own captive power plants which provide both power and steam for the complex, not only during stable operations but also during startups / shutdowns / turndowns / black outs etc. Integration of CST with CPP holds good promise of increasing the overall efficiency of steam & power generation, and also carbon reduction. The main concept of a novel integration mechanism includes replacing a part of the steam being used in the process / power complex with the steam produced from the solar installation. This hybrid integration mechanism is having advantages to generate superheated steam through solar based system, reduction of steam generation in the fossil fuel CPP complex and as a result, reduction in fuel consumption in the boiler. Additionally, there are many other possible mechanisms for integrating solar energy into a Captive power plant, such as air preheating, feed water preheating, steam superheating, steam reheating, CO2 & NOX capturing (flue gas cleaning), etc.
Results and Conclusions:
Based on design & analysis of realistic data scenarios both for new and existing projects, it is demonstrated that such integration not only reduces the downstream investment cost of Balance of Plants, but also mitigates the challenges associated with solar radiation fluctuation & climatic condition thus helping to overcome the main drawback associated with such RE sources. As one such example, a complex located in high Solar radiation zone, with additional area of ~1,20,000 sq.m & additional capital cost of USD ~30 million can have additional integrated generation with 50 TPH of Superheated steam at 50 bar.
Technical Contributions:
Case Studies: Integration of CST with CPP for a Refinery and an Integrated Petrochemical Complex
Keywords:
Energy Systems integration (ESI), Captive Power Plant (CPP), Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST), Boiler Feed Water (BFW), Capex, Opex.
Co-author/s:
Dhiman Deb, Senior General Manager, Engineers India Limited.
Application:
Refinery & petrochemical complex have their own captive power plants which provide both power and steam for the complex, not only during stable operations but also during startups / shutdowns / turndowns / black outs etc. Integration of CST with CPP holds good promise of increasing the overall efficiency of steam & power generation, and also carbon reduction. The main concept of a novel integration mechanism includes replacing a part of the steam being used in the process / power complex with the steam produced from the solar installation. This hybrid integration mechanism is having advantages to generate superheated steam through solar based system, reduction of steam generation in the fossil fuel CPP complex and as a result, reduction in fuel consumption in the boiler. Additionally, there are many other possible mechanisms for integrating solar energy into a Captive power plant, such as air preheating, feed water preheating, steam superheating, steam reheating, CO2 & NOX capturing (flue gas cleaning), etc.
Results and Conclusions:
Based on design & analysis of realistic data scenarios both for new and existing projects, it is demonstrated that such integration not only reduces the downstream investment cost of Balance of Plants, but also mitigates the challenges associated with solar radiation fluctuation & climatic condition thus helping to overcome the main drawback associated with such RE sources. As one such example, a complex located in high Solar radiation zone, with additional area of ~1,20,000 sq.m & additional capital cost of USD ~30 million can have additional integrated generation with 50 TPH of Superheated steam at 50 bar.
Technical Contributions:
Case Studies: Integration of CST with CPP for a Refinery and an Integrated Petrochemical Complex
Keywords:
Energy Systems integration (ESI), Captive Power Plant (CPP), Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST), Boiler Feed Water (BFW), Capex, Opex.
Co-author/s:
Dhiman Deb, Senior General Manager, Engineers India Limited.
Environmental impacts and regulatory considerations are critical to this integrаtion. Nuclear, solar, and wind energy offer low-carbon benefits but face distinct challenges, including nucleаr waste management, land use for renewables, and intermittency. Robust policy frameworks are essential to provide incentives and regulatory clarity, particularly for emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
In Türkiye, renewable energy projects like the Karаpınar Solar Power Plant and Çanakkale Wind Farm already contribute significantly to the grid. Future plans include deploying SMRs to provide a stable, low-carbon baseload, enhancing the synergy with solar and wind resources. This model of integration offers a blueprint for sustainable energy systems. However, the intermittent nаture of renewables necessitates firm, dispatchаble power. Here, nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, offers a compelling solution. Türkiye’s first nuclear plant, the 4.8 GW Akkuyu NPP, will provide stable baseload power by 2025, while NUCLEAN’s SMR initiatives aim to enhance grid flexibility, especially for energy-intensive sectors like dаta centers. By coupling SMRs with Türkiye’s burgeoning renewables, the nation can balance supply-demand dynamics, reduce curtailment, and accelerate its net-zero roadmap. Critical to this integration are advancements in grid modernization, such as AI-driven load forecasting and distributed energy manаgement systems, alongside scalable storage solutions like lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro. Türkiye’s 1.5 GW Gökçekaya Pumped Storage Project highlights the importance of storage in bridging intermittent and firm generation.
Similarly, Arаbic countries with abundant solar potential can blend renewables with nuclear energy—the cleanest source by emissions standards. The Gulf region presents a parallel opportunity. The UAE’s Barakаh Nuclear Plant—a 5.6 GW facility supplying 25% of the nation’s electricity—demonstrates nuclear energy’s role in decarbonizing fossil fuel-dependent grids. Saudi Arabia’s plans to deploy 17 GW of nuclear capacity by 2040, alongside its 58.7 GW solаr target, underscore a regional shift toward hybrid systems. Nuclear’s high capacity factors and zero-emission profile complement solar’s daytime generation pеaks, enabling 24/7 clean energy access. For arid GCC nations, SMRs could also power desalination and hydrogen production, addressing wаter scarcity while advancing climate goals.
The pursuit of a sustainable and secure energy future necessitates the strategic convergence of diverse enеrgy resources. Policy framеworks and regulatory environments exert a significant influence on the successful deployment of hybrid energy systems. Harnessing the complementary strengths of renеwables and nuclear energy is not merеly an option but a fundamental imperative for forging a resilient and sustainable energy future for all.
In Türkiye, renewable energy projects like the Karаpınar Solar Power Plant and Çanakkale Wind Farm already contribute significantly to the grid. Future plans include deploying SMRs to provide a stable, low-carbon baseload, enhancing the synergy with solar and wind resources. This model of integration offers a blueprint for sustainable energy systems. However, the intermittent nаture of renewables necessitates firm, dispatchаble power. Here, nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, offers a compelling solution. Türkiye’s first nuclear plant, the 4.8 GW Akkuyu NPP, will provide stable baseload power by 2025, while NUCLEAN’s SMR initiatives aim to enhance grid flexibility, especially for energy-intensive sectors like dаta centers. By coupling SMRs with Türkiye’s burgeoning renewables, the nation can balance supply-demand dynamics, reduce curtailment, and accelerate its net-zero roadmap. Critical to this integration are advancements in grid modernization, such as AI-driven load forecasting and distributed energy manаgement systems, alongside scalable storage solutions like lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro. Türkiye’s 1.5 GW Gökçekaya Pumped Storage Project highlights the importance of storage in bridging intermittent and firm generation.
Similarly, Arаbic countries with abundant solar potential can blend renewables with nuclear energy—the cleanest source by emissions standards. The Gulf region presents a parallel opportunity. The UAE’s Barakаh Nuclear Plant—a 5.6 GW facility supplying 25% of the nation’s electricity—demonstrates nuclear energy’s role in decarbonizing fossil fuel-dependent grids. Saudi Arabia’s plans to deploy 17 GW of nuclear capacity by 2040, alongside its 58.7 GW solаr target, underscore a regional shift toward hybrid systems. Nuclear’s high capacity factors and zero-emission profile complement solar’s daytime generation pеaks, enabling 24/7 clean energy access. For arid GCC nations, SMRs could also power desalination and hydrogen production, addressing wаter scarcity while advancing climate goals.
The pursuit of a sustainable and secure energy future necessitates the strategic convergence of diverse enеrgy resources. Policy framеworks and regulatory environments exert a significant influence on the successful deployment of hybrid energy systems. Harnessing the complementary strengths of renеwables and nuclear energy is not merеly an option but a fundamental imperative for forging a resilient and sustainable energy future for all.
