The future of nuclear power

Abstract

If the EU is to meet its ambitious targets for carbon reduction it is clear that nuclear power will have to play an important role. It is very likely that, even with a relatively short delay, investors will have to make alternative decisions, such as building far more fossil-fuel plants. It is appropriate to compare it with wind and tidal technologies, as they create similar amounts of carhon emissions during construction. It should also be noted that nuclear power holds many advantages for the production of hydrogen which could provide a significant proportion of future energy requirements, particularly for transport. The use of nuclear power during off-peak time to produce this energy source means that any future new build plant could be fully utilised for the benefit of UK total energy requirements.