The US-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has set up a working group with other energy organisations in a bid to make nuclear energy as a viable option for the district energy sector by 2026.

EPRI said it will publish a roadmap outlining the challenges and opportunities for nuclear in district heating.

The working group will then aim to address issues towards deploying microreactors of up to 10 MW for heating, cooling, and power applications in institutional settings by 2026.

District energy systems are a highly efficient way to heat and cool many buildings in a given locale from a central plant. They use a network of underground pipes to pump steam, hot water, and/or chilled water to multiple buildings in an area such as a central district, college or hospital campus, airport, or military base.