INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN NUCLEAR AND RELATED FIELDS

Dmytro Bobro

Dmytro Bobro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3246-7436

Keywords: innovations, innovation gaps, renewable power, nuclear power, small modular reactors, innovative nuclear accident tolerant fuels, hydrogen energy.

Abstract

The global tendencies of introduction of innovative technologies in the energy sphere are analyzed. Innovations in this area are needed not only to improve welfare and energy security, but also to combat climate change. That is why the innovative component of Ukraine’s energy development is extremely relevant, and one of the key elements of improving energy security and ensuring Ukraine’s energy independence is the implementation of innovative developments in this field, taking into account international experience.

Given the fact, that Ukraine has advanced nuclear power, sufficient raw material base of uranium and zirconium (which are the basic elements for the nuclear fuel production), the uranium mining, research and industrial base of production of zirconium production, scientific and technical personnel potential, emphasis is placed on studying the international experience of innovative development of nuclear energy and industry. Taking into account the innovation gaps in the nuclear field, identified by the International Energy Agency (non-electrical applications; Small Modular Reactors; innovative nuclear Accident Tolerant Fuels), proposals for strategic innovation priorities in the nuclear and related fields have been worked out.

Recommendations were given to support (within the framework of international cooperation both at the corporate and state levels) innovative projects: small modular reactors, incl. on their use for hydrogen production; hydrogen fuel cells and innovative nuclear accident tolerant fuel for small modular reactors. This will allow to ensure innovative development of the economy of Ukraine and achieve both the set political (energy independence) and global (combating climate change) goals.

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