Advancing Access to Affordable and Reliable Electricity Through Nuclear and Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems

Purpose: Access to affordable, clean and sustainable electricity  is essential for economic growth and development, human well-being and the attainment of the “United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. However many face energy poverty due to insufficient access to electricity and high dependence on traditional and polluting energy sources such as fossil fuels for electricity generation. For a sustainable energy-dense future, the energy challenge circumstance begs for an innovative “nuclear-renewable hybrid energy system”. Methods: The study utilised cutting-edge research to examine how nuclear and renewable hybrid energy systems could provide access to cheap and reliable electricity. Arguing, the study emphasises the importance of speeding the clean energy technology agenda, thereby, merging nuclear, that is small modular reactors (SMRs) and renewables, mainly solar and wind as two clean energy sources to boost efficiency, dependability, affordability, and addressing the intermittent nature of renewables. Findings: The study identifies a critical research gap in the field of nuclear and renewable “hybrid energy systems” and underscores the immense potential of the two clean energy sources to drive sustainable energy development, meet the escalating global energy demand, and mitigate climate change. The study revealed that a more resilient and strong energy system can be produced by combining nuclear power as a baseload electricity generation with the erratic nature of solar and wind energy sources. Combining nuclear with renewable energy improves electricity supply security, reduces emissions, increases flexibility, and strengthens systems’ resistance to variations in renewable energy sources. Research Limitation/Implications: More research is needed to ensure safety, waste management related to nuclear, in addition to policy and research implications necessary to facilitate the nuclear-renewable hybrid energy transition. Practical implication: Power grids can become more dependable and eco-friendly by utilising both nuclear and renewable energy sources, which is good for both consumers and the environment. Social Implication: Adopting nuclear and renewable hybrid energy systems can improve marginalised populations’ quality of life, lessen energy poverty, and aid in sustainable development objectives. Originality/Value: The untapped potential of “nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems” to increase energy security, lower emissions, and adapt to shifting renewable energy production is highlighted in this article.