Energy and water without carbon: Integrated desalination and nuclear power at Diablo Canyon

A seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant collocated with an existing nuclear would have low electricity costs, could share the power plant’s intake and outfall, zero carbon footprint during operation. Unlike thermal technologies, electrically-driven SWRO is ideal for retrofitting plants because turbines condensers not need expensive modifications. Here, we evaluate techno-economic feasibility of collocating a large-scale plant, specifically 2.2 GWe Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant on California’s central coast. The that cools provides feed water desalination. brine diluted remaining condenser coolant before being discharged to ocean. brushed-screen structure, serving both can comply strict California regulations protecting marine organisms. This coproduction arrangement has significant cost advantage relative stand-alone plant. levelized (LCOW) ranges from US$0.77 US$0.98 per m3 fresh water, distribution offtakers adding US$0.02 US$0.21 over 20–185 km. In comparison, largest in Carlsbad, LCOW about US$1.84 m3. These savings result reduced costs (about US$0.054 kWh) sharing some infrastructure. Further, allows Carlsbad-size avoid 47 kt/y CO2 emissions grid electricity. Examination substantially larger introduces additional considerations. study first show are strongly coupled economic at other sites. benefits should apply dozens worldwide.