Assessment of life extension and provision of flexibility by existing nuclear power stations

Nuclear power plants usually operate for a fixed life-time of 4o years. In addition, they have been operated as inflexible sources in the power system. In the context of decarbonization and a future electricity mix with high share of variable energy resources such as wind and solar, there is a need for analyzing the extension of life of these carbon neutral sources and a requirement for more flexibility in the power system. Therefore, the aim of this project is to evaluate costs and benefits of extending the life of nuclear power stations and their future flexibility potential. For this, a literature review of nuclear technologies will be required in terms of the technical equipment, treatment of nuclear waste, operational constraints and involved costs. Furthermore, IIT power system models will be used to assess the benefits of this strategy for the Spanish power system.