Nuclear-based integrated energy systems (NIES): a critical status review

In response to the growing demand for eco-conscious and efficient energy production and energy security and resilience, Nuclear-based Integrated Energy Systems (NIES) are being developed. Through integration of diverse energy vectors (e.g., electricity, heat, hydrogen, industrial steam, thermal energy storage) with nuclear systems, NIES research has progressed for various applications, including desalination, hydrogen production, energy storage, industrial process heat, and district heating, rising as potential and promising energy systems. For the successful development and deployment (D&D) of NIES, however, many challenges remain. This paper provides critical review of NIES viability in comprehensive perspectives, exploring research status of NIES, conducting research gap analyses, delineating the remaining challenges and ways forward.