Flexible advanced nuclear reactors can complement renewables in future energy systems, but commitment is needed from governments and policymakers with greater collaboration between nuclear energy and renewable energy experts, the Clean Energy Ministerial’s NICE Future initiative said in a report.

The report, Flexible Nuclear Energy for Clean Energy Systems, examined market requirements for flexibility, affordability, security, and availability in future energy systems with high penetrations of renewables.

It defined flexibility as the ability of nuclear energy generation to economically provide energy services at the time and location they are needed by end-users.

The report concluded that nuclear is more flexible than many of us thought and its full potential can be realised by teaming up with renewables to create new hybrid energy systems that could ultimately lead to new jobs, thriving economies and lower emissions.