Waste heat recovery from nuclear power plants through condenser redesign for application in direct air capture: a case study in Ontario, Canada

This study explores the potential for the recovery of waste heat from nuclear power plants through the redesign of condensers using a numerical approach, with a focus on enabling Direct Air Capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide processes. Focusing on a case study of Ontario's nuclear power plants, the research investigates the potential of redesigning condensers to harness low-grade waste heat for powering the thermal processes required by DAC systems. While the detailed design of the DAC system itself is left for future work, the proposed condenser redesign aims to maximize heat recovery efficiency while maintaining optimal condensation of turbine exhaust steam, ensuring the plant's energy production remains unaffected. The study includes detailed computational modeling and environmental impact assessment, demonstrating that utilizing waste heat can significantly reduce the operational energy requirements and carbon footprint of DAC systems. The results indicate that retrofitting nuclear power plants in Ontario with such systems could offset their lifetime emissions and achieve a net-negative carbon status, contributing to provincial and national climate goals. This work establishes a scalable framework for leveraging existing nuclear infrastructure to accelerate the transition to carbon-negative energy systems. Moreover, this approach not only addresses waste heat management challenges but also positions nuclear power plants as dual-purpose facilities for clean energy generation and climate mitigation. The findings highlight the transformative potential of condenser redesign in enhancing the environmental and economic value of nuclear energy systems.