Economic Analysis of Nuclear Energy Cogeneration: A Comprehensive Review on Integrated Utilization

Nuclear energy cogeneration, which integrates electricity generation with thermal energy utilization, presents a transformative pathway for enhancing energy efficiency and decarbonizing industrial and urban sectors. This comprehensive review synthesizes advancements in technological stratification, economic modeling, and sectoral practices to evaluate the viability of nuclear cogeneration as a cornerstone of low-carbon energy transitions. By categorizing applications based on temperature requirements (low: <250 °C, medium: 250–550 °C, high: >550 °C), the study highlights the adaptability of reactor technologies, including light water reactors (LWRs), high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), and molten salt reactors (MSRs), to sector-specific demands. Key findings reveal that nuclear cogeneration systems achieve thermal efficiencies exceeding 80% in low-temperature applications and reduce CO 2 emissions by 1.5–2.5 million tons annually per reactor by displacing fossil fuel-based heat sources. Economic analyses emphasize the critical role of cost allocation methodologies, with exergy-based approaches reducing levelized costs by 18% in high-temperature applications. Policy instruments, such as carbon pricing, value-added tax (VAT) exemptions, and subsidized loans, enhance project viability, elevating net present values by 25–40% for district heating systems. Case studies from Finland, China, and Canada demonstrate operational successes, including 30% emission reductions in oil sands processing and hydrogen production costs as low as USD 3–5/kg via thermochemical cycles. Hybrid nuclear–renewable systems further stabilize energy supply, reducing the levelized cost of heat by 18%. The review underscores the necessity of integrating Generation IV reactors, thermal storage, and policy alignment to unlock nuclear cogeneration’s full potential in achieving global decarbonization and energy security goals.