Nuclear Power Plant Flexible Power Operation Capability Analysis

Nuclear power plants are used extensively as base load sources of electricity. This is the most economical and technically simple mode of operation. In this mode, power changes are limited to frequency regulation for grid stability purposes and shutdowns for safety purposes. However for countries with high nuclear shares or desiring to significantly increase renewable energy sources, the question arises as to the ability of nuclear power plants to follow load on a regular basis, including daily variations of the power demand. This paper give a detailed analysis of the technical and economic aspects of load-following with nuclear power plants, and summaries the impact of load-following on the operational mode.