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Evaluation of Life Cycle CO 2 Emissions for the LDR-50 Nuclear District Heating Reactor

Author

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  • Laura Sokka

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Kivimiehentie 3, 02150 Espoo, Finland
    Current address: Finnish Environmental Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Heidi Kirppu

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Kivimiehentie 3, 02150 Espoo, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jaakko Leppänen

    (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Kivimiehentie 3, 02150 Espoo, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

The LDR-50 low-temperature nuclear reactor is designed for the Finnish and European district heating markets, as an environmentally sustainable heating option for the 2030s. While the carbon footprint of conventional electricity-producing reactors is known to be small, there have been no comprehensive studies on the emission reduction potential when the technology is applied to the heating sector. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap by means of life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis. The carbon footprint of the LDR-50 heating plant is evaluated, and compared to conventional heating fuels, direct electric heating, and heat pumps. The results of the analysis show that the life cycle CO 2 emissions are low, although there are still significant uncertainties related to the construction phase, due to missing data. In addition to carbon footprint, the analysis is also extended to other adverse environmental impacts. It is concluded that significant reductions in CO 2 emissions can be achieved by replacing fossil heating fuels with nuclear energy. The technology is considered a viable option alongside biofuels and heat pumps. The overall environmental impacts are low, and the production does not compete for low-carbon electricity or scarce natural resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Sokka & Heidi Kirppu & Jaakko Leppänen, 2024. "Evaluation of Life Cycle CO 2 Emissions for the LDR-50 Nuclear District Heating Reactor," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:13:p:3250-:d:1427371
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leurent, Martin & Da Costa, Pascal & Jasserand, Frédéric & Rämä, Miika & Persson, Urban, 2018. "Cost and climate savings through nuclear district heating in a French urban area," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 616-630.
    2. Leurent, Martin & Da Costa, Pascal & Rämä, Miika & Persson, Urban & Jasserand, Frédéric, 2018. "Cost-benefit analysis of district heating systems using heat from nuclear plants in seven European countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 454-472.
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