Chapter 7 - The Role of Nuclear Power in Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of nuclear power in climate-change mitigation. The role of nuclear power in abating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the global electricity generation sector might not have the immediate impact that its supporters claim unless investment in nuclear power capacity starts immediately. Like renewables, nuclear power produces no GHG emissions during operation, but there are too many global carbon dioxide-emitting generation sources. It takes decades for these plants to be replaced by cleaner technologies, such as “clean” coal, nuclear, or renewables. Nuclear generation emits no GHGs, and, unlike most renewable technologies, it operates at near full capacity. Until the cost of GHG is reflected in fossil-fired electricity generation, nuclear power might not make an appreciable difference in global GHG emissions. Nuclear power is the only central-station, GHG-free alternative that could replace global ever-growing, ever-polluting coal-fired capacity.