Beyond electricity generation: Nuclear power plants as circular chemical manufacturing hubs for plastic waste valorization

Abstract

Large nuclear power plants have traditionally been regarded as facilities dedicated to electricity generation. This study proposes a systems‐level concept in which they function as circular chemical manufacturing hubs integrating plastic waste valorization, hydrogen production, carbon utilization, and downstream polymer synthesis within a unified industrial complex. Mixed plastic waste is converted through thermochemical processing, while nuclear‐assisted hydrogen production and carbon recycling enable the synthesis of methanol, light olefins, commodity polymers, and selected high‐value silicone materials. A scenario‐based techno‐economic assessment evaluates the influence of electricity price, capital investment, operating costs, and product portfolio on overall economic performance. The results indicate that continuous baseload operation, process integration, and diversification toward higher‐value chemical products can improve long‐term economic performance while reducing dependence on virgin fossil carbon resources. Rather than introducing another individual recycling technology, this work presents a conceptual framework that redefines the industrial role of nuclear power plants beyond electricity generation. The proposed approach demonstrates how existing nuclear infrastructure could support large‐scale plastic waste valorization, industrial decarbonization, resource circularity, and sustainable production of chemical feedstocks and advanced polymeric materials.