An overview of sustainable energy development by using cogeneration technology and opportunity for improving process

Summary Nowadays, energy supply is one of the most prominent demands of countries in the world. The enhancement in energy efficiency, flexibility for applications in various industrial processes, and the reduction in the environmental impacts of pollutant emissions can be accomplished by using sustainable energy sources. Alternative procedures for heat and electricity production have been developed in the commercial and industrial sectors and focusing on the cogeneration systems, and the contribution of nuclear energy has been increased for improving processes. Nuclear reactors play an essential role in nonelectric applications, and combined heat and energy at different operating temperatures can be provided by a variety of nuclear reactors such as small modular reactors. The working temperature is a critical factor in the cogeneration process. The light‐water reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) (280‐325°C) are suitable for desalination and district heating. In comparison, high‐temperature gas‐cooled reactor (HTGR) reactors (750‐950°C) are ideal for hydrogen production. Feasibility studies are essential for improving the performance of a nuclear power plant to recover heat loss. In this review, the cogeneration technology is described based on nuclear energy with its application in various processes such as water desalination, hydrogen production, chemical processes, etc. In addition, investigation of novel techniques, existing design, environmental impacts, and economic issues have been illustrated in this review. A new issue called ‘cogeneration’ has also been taken into consideration to obtain the sustainable energy. This manuscript planned to review and survey the present state, potential, and uses of nuclear cogeneration systems. First, industrial applications such as hydrogen production, and the desalination of water are contemplated and assessed dependent on the kinds of nuclear reactors. The investigation of novel techniques, existing design, environmental impacts and economic issues has been described in this review.