Opportunities and Technical Characteristics of Power Uprates for Existing Fleet

Nuclear energy produces more carbon-free electricity than any other source, accounting for ~20% of U.S. electricity generation. With the net-zero emission goals of the upcoming decades, there is a consensus and recognition of the vital importance in continual operation of existing reactor fleet. Over the last 25 years, the U.S. NRC has approved over 130 power-uprates for the existing fleet ranging from ~0.5-20%. Recent developments have reopened the potential for additional power uprates, e.g. NRC exemption requests and rulemaking for higher enriched fuels and state Zero Emission Credits (ZECs) and federal Production Tax Credits (PTCs) through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The ZECs and PTCs incentivize utilities to generate more carbon-free electricity from the existing fleet which significantly alters the economics of nuclear generation. Both the PTCs and lifting of the 5% enrichment barrier make the potential for power uprates and thereby, plant life extensions through increased revenues, much more likely and economically viable. The panel overviews the opportunities and technical characteristics of power uprate. In particular, summary of recent reports and workshop led by Idaho national lab and EPRI will be overviewed.