Overview of potential applications for nuclear energy

This report provides a comprehensive overview of non-electric applications of nuclear energy, highlighting sectors where nuclear technologies have limited current use but significant future potential. It aims primarily to offer an introductory perspective, outlining market potential and technical feasibility across various industries. This overview serves as the foundation for subsequent, more detailed sector-specific analyses.

The sectors examined include district heating, desalination, data centers, industrial applications (focusing on the chemical industry, industrial heat for energy-intensive industries, and food and drink), agriculture, ship propulsion, and space applications. The report includes initial case studies to illustrate promising opportunities for nuclear applications beyond electricity generation. It briefly assesses the viability of the nuclear energy, especially in the context of the evolving European energy landscape, and outlines critical recommendations for future detailed research, technological advancements, and supportive policies to facilitate CO₂-free industrial practices.

The overarching goal is to identify and preliminarily assess a broad spectrum of potential nuclear applications, supporting more detailed studies in WP1 that will provide deeper evaluations of these opportunities.