Economic Optimization of a Hybrid Power Plant with Nuclear, Solar, and Thermal Energy Conversion to Electricity

This research presents a new solution for optimizing the economics of energy produced by a hybrid power generation plant that converts nuclear, solar, and thermal energy into electricity while operating under load-following conditions. To achieve the benefits of cleaner electricity with minimal production costs, multi-criteria management decisions are applied. The investigation of a hybrid system combining nuclear, solar, and thermal energy generation demonstrates the impact of such technology on the optimal price of generated energy; the introduction of nuclear reactors in hybrid systems reduces the cost of electricity production compared to the equivalent cost of energy produced by solar systems and compared to fossil fuel thermal systems. This method can be applied to hybrid energy systems with nuclear, solar, and thermal power generation plants of various sizes and configurations, making it a useful tool for engineers, researchers, and managers in the energy sector.