Wesley Williams

Abstract:

There are many potential collaboration areas between the traditionally isolated (or competitive) industries of nuclear energy and petroleum. Examples of overlapping interests and areas that can benefit from existing operational and engineering expertise are many. Deep borehole waste storage of nuclear waste materials has returned to the forefront of research due to the collapse of the Yucca Mountain Project. Deep borehole storage can benefit from knowledge developed in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells. Likewise there is a potential to use spent fuel as a heat source for an enhanced oil recovery technique for heavy crude reservoirs. Furthermore, there are many potential futuristic concepts for nuclear reactors that could utilize capabilities of both industries to make safer and more sustainable energy production techniques. Offshore floating or jack-up nuclear power stations have been proposed, however, these concepts could be further enhanced by combining the facilities with permanent deep borehole waste storage fields under the seafloor. In a similar fashion, nuclear reactors could be placed and operated in the bottom of the deep wells either onshore or offshore. This would combine the reactor with its final repository. The presentation will discuss some of these creative ideas with the intent of breaking down preconceived notions that block productive collaborations between two of our most important energy sources. It is hoped that interests will be sparked to pursue further collaborative projects and research.