Net power and energy output of the German LWR nuclear power system

Abstract

Net energy analysis is used to calculate the (annual) net energy output and the power and energy efficiencies of the German nuclear power system from the beginning of the construction program until 1982. For each individual power plant, actual construction time, start of operation and annual energy yield data are taken into account. The power expenditure data for construction, first core and reloading are taken from the literature on energy analysis, and the sensitivity of the results to the pertinent data uncertainties is shown. The problem of evaluation of thermal and electric forms of energy is also addressed. The results clearly show that an appreciable fraction of the power produced in the German nuclear power system is consumed within the nuclear industry, especially in the first period of expansion when small power plants are in operation and large ones under construction. This finding is contrary to what may be expected from the small payback time associated with individual power plants. However, nuclear power is not an energy sink. If the issue were to compare a nuclear power system with an alternative option such as an oil or coal-based technology, the same efficiency assessment would have to be carried out for the alternative system before a proper comparison can be made.