Electricity Production Research Articles

Expanded Accident Scenarios and Frequency Characteristics for a Fast Spectrum Molten Salt Reactor in an Integrated Energy System

Integration of advanced nuclear reactors to industrial processes in an integrated energy system (IES) has many potential advantages. The coupling of nuclear power to varied industrial processes introduces additional accident scenarios unique to the specific systems included in the IES. Similarly, noise in one system of the IES could potentially create negative effects in the other systems. Because of the limited amount of comparable nuclear IES operating experience, there is added value in scoping the inherent behavior of these systems in response to these transients. This paper investigates the safety-related behavior of an open-source IES dynamic model of a fast spectrum molten salt reactor (MSR) powering a regenerative Rankine cycle for electricity production and a hybrid sulfur (HyS) cycle for hydrogen production. The simulations include a loss of cooling water to the Rankine cycle, a loss of sulfur in the HyS cycle, and the frequency characteristics of the entire IES across six orders of magnitude of frequency. The results show safe behavior in response to the two accident scenarios, wherein a disruption in heat transfer leads to increased salt temperatures and a decrease in reactor power. The frequency analysis shows that at higher frequencies, temperature changes propagating through an IES are increasingly damped to the point of negligibility.

Predicting solar photovoltaic generation impacted by severe wildfire smoke

Abstract The negative impact of wildfire smoke on solar photovoltaic (PV) generation by reducing the amount of solar irradiance reaching the modules has been observed worldwide. However, the predictive capability to capture the impact on solar electricity production still needs to be improved. For example, in the summer of 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires spread to the northeastern U.S., impacting solar PV output in the region. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) day-ahead forecasts for this period significantly overpredicted PV output. This paper presents novel machine learning-based models for predicting the hourly solar capacity factor, focusing on improving predictive performance during periods of severe wildfire smoke. The results demonstrate a R 2 value of up to 0.85 for the severe wildfire periods (aerosol optical depth (AOD) above the 99.99th percentile) from our models, significantly outperforming NYISO’s R 2 value of 0.50 across six load zones included in the analysis. The greatly enhanced performance arises from two innovations. First, we adopted a series of data products, newly available in the public domain, from the high-resolution rapid refresh smoke (HRRR-Smoke) weather forecasting system. These include predictions of the AOD and the downward shortwave radiation flux incorporating aerosol impacts. Our study marks the first time the HRRR-Smoke wildfire AOD product has been used in solar electricity forecasts. Second, we employed upsampling strategies to address the data imbalance issues due to the inherently infrequent nature of wildfire events. As the data products are publicly available, our methodology can be readily adopted by power system operators to enhance predictions of solar electricity production during periods of wildfire smoke, ensuring the reliability of power grids with high penetration of solar energy.

Economic Assessment of Electric Power Production in a Co-Gasification Combined Heat and Power Plant Using Nigerian and South African Coal, Biomass and Tyre as Fuel

Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum are the major sources of fuel for energy generation. These two fuels produce gaseous pollutants that are dangerous to the environment. In this study, the economy of a 10 MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant is assessed using Coal-to-solid waste ratios of 1:1 and 4:1 under two financial conditions namely: With Feedstock Costing (WFC) and Without Feedstock Costing (WOFC). The annual feedstock requirement of the plant and feed rate were estimated from the lower heating value of the fuel that was determined from a model equation, and the results were used for the assessment of the power plant. The Net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PBP) as investment tools, were used to evaluate the venture for 10th, 15th and 20th year. Coal + Pine saw- dust (PSD) mixed at a ratio of 1:1 was the optimum SA and Nigerian feedstocks, while the optimum year was at the 10th year. The annual profit WFC from the Nigerian and SA 1:1 Coal-to-PSD fuel ratio were NGN828,200,058.80 (USA517,625.04) and ZAR87,128,003.27 (USA5,125,176.67). The profits were 13.82 % and 28.40 % higher than that of solitary gasification of coal, respectively. A comparison of the Nigerian coal and Nigeria Coal + PSD WFC, revealed that about 5,106,875.44 kg/Yr of feedstock was saved from Coal + PSD (1:1) which resulted to an increase in the profit by 43.24 % per annum, whereas 3,737,610.81kg/Yr was saved from the South African Coal + PSD which resulted to about 13.82 % compared to solitary gasification of the South African coal. The 1:1 Coal-to-Solid Waste ratio was the optimum blend for all the feedstocks investigated.

A Comparative Study of Waste Heat Utilization and Solar Power Plant for Sustainable Energy Production

A comparison of the energy production from a steam turbine system utilizing waste heat and a solar power plant (SPP) in the same region was conducted. The study aims to analyze the potential energy production of both systems and evaluate investment viability. The steam turbine system enhances energy efficiency in industrial facilities by generating electricity from waste heat, which is produced during furnace operations. The waste heat availability and quantity depend on fuel types, with natural gas and petroleum coke commonly used. While petroleum coke produces more waste heat, natural gas is cleaner but generates less. This variability impacts electricity production, with an average daily output of 7.56 MWh. In contrast, solar power plants are sustainable and renewable, typically requiring lower initial investment. Solar energy production depends on factors like geographical conditions, sunlight exposure, and panel efficiency, with fluctuations in output due to varying environmental conditions. Both systems were evaluated based on payback periods and energy production capacities. The steam turbine system offers stable production in large facilities with continuous waste heat, but its efficiency depends on fuel types. Solar power plants provide lower initial costs and shorter payback periods but can be affected by environmental factors. The study concludes that each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the most suitable system should be chosen based on local energy needs and environmental conditions.

Resource Recovery Potential of Limuru Municipality Abattoir Waste

Municipalities are entrusted with solid waste management to avoid rapid fill-up of landfills, provide apt sustainable solid waste management solutions, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Slaughterhouses are major contributors to environmental degradation, water pollution and global warming. In the current study, the waste generated from animal slaughter houses in Limuru was calculated, the potential of Limuru municipality slaughterhouse waste to generate biogas and bio-electricity and organic bio-fertilizer investigated and the waste greenhouse gases emission potential was also computed. Inadequate information on abattoir resource recovery and utilization formed the need for this cross-sectional study conducted from January to March 2024. Four selected slaughter houses in Limuru municipality, Kenya, were selected; namely Limuru, Bahati, Makutano and Ngecha. Aniebo mathematical computation models were used to determine the amount of slaughterhouse from the number of animals processed. The results exhibited that 1739.479 tonnes of abattoir waste is generated annually. Anaerobic digestion produced 92.1924 m3 of biogas annually as per the Rao model. This translated to electricity production potential of 49.3229 kWh p.a and heat production potential of 71.4484 kWh p.a as a form of resource recovery. There was 549.0512 m3 reduction of greenhouse gases using biogas technology which translated to positive impact on environmental safety, public health and GHG emission reduction.

From Wind to Power: Unlocking Latvia's Renewable Energy Potential for Climate Neutrality

The European Union has set an ambitious goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To meet this target, it is essential to significantly increase renewable energy production. However, electricity generation from renewable energy sources is intermittent, meaning energy can only be produced when the respective resources (e.g., sun, wind, favorable hydrological conditions) are available. This often does not align with the electricity consumption demand curve and to meet the demand, electricity must be generated from fossil energy sources. In Latvia, according to 2024 data, the largest share of electricity is generated by hydropower plants (53 %), followed by thermal generation (29 %), with natural gas accounting for most of this share. Meanwhile, only 4 % of total electricity production comes from wind energy, which is a low figure considering Latvia's geographical conditions and wind energy potential. However, several large-scale wind power projects with a combined capacity of 700 MW are currently in the planning stages. The implementation of all planned projects could make a significant contribution to achieving the EU's climate goals. In the energy sector, meteorological data plays a crucial role in calculating and forecasting the availability of renewable energy resources and energy production potential. To assess electricity generation from planned wind farms, calculations were carried out to determine the potential wind energy available. To estimate wind speed at a height of 185 meters, available wind speed data from ground measurement stations were adjusted using the logarithmic function most frequently employed in literature. The calculations provided an estimate of the potential electricity generation from wind farms, with results visually represented by calendar months. The findings indicate that the total electricity output from wind farms could increase by 2383 GWh/year, allowing decreased use of natural gas during spring and consequently reducing GHG emissions. The data shows that during winter and spring months, the available electricity exceeds the electricity demand. Consequently, it is essential to find solutions to balance electricity consumption and production loads, ensuring the efficient use of valuable renewable electricity. Such solutions include energy storage, for example, battery energy storage systems or converting electricity into other energy carriers, such as hydrogen. Results can further be used to identify the most suitable methods for electricity storage.

Selection of Criteria for Load Analysis on Electrical Grid in the Context of Transport Electrification in Latvia

The following research paper addresses the pressing issue of the projected load on the electricity grid in the context of transportation electrification in Latvia. This is examined in relation to potential Electric Vehicle (EV) growth models, the current status, and implementation plans aimed at achieving the goals set by the Latvian Updated National Energy and Climate Plan 2021–2030, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The analysis considers local legislation, electricity and Renewable Energy Sources (RES) production and consumption profiles, as well as the charging habits of EV owners. The goal of this study is to create a comprehensive model for electricity demand prediction with Distributed Energy Solutions (DES) and Smart Charging capabilities for grid infrastructure development. According to research conducted by Danish scientists, “in a favorable scenario where 25 % of vehicles are electric by 2030, they are expected to contribute approximately 4 % to the peak load on a winter workday between 6 and 8 PM. In the worst-case scenario, they contribute 15 % to the peak load. In 2040, 80 % of the vehicles are expected to be electric and contribute between 15 % and 55 % to the annual peak consumption in Denmark.” The tendency behind shift in peak loads stresses the need for proactive grid planning highly relevant to Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The current grid development related to public ‘Destination’ EV charging primarily responds based on unsystematic requests for electricity connections by Charging Point Operators (CPOs) and an internally developed general simultaneity coefficient methodology. Furthermore, the ‘Highway’ EV charging infrastructure within Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) must be built from scratch in accordance to AFIR regulation, with specific attention given to the core sections as well as the transport flow context to the comprehend sections of it. The author also examines the shift in the EV charging profile, from predominantly “Home” overnight Alternating Current (AC) slow charging to Direct Current (DC) fast charging on-the-go. The modeling of network system scenarios for case of Latvia considers changes in charging patterns relatively to Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) availability by System Thinking approach. The causal loop diagram incorporates not only social (users’ habits), economic (growing portfolio of new affordable and used EVs, and future price parity with Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEV)), and governmental (incentives, tax tariffs, and fines for missed CO2 targets) part, but also the technical – flexible transportation electrification options such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). As a result, the paper states that the change of charging habits and, thus, a raising public EV Charging Infrastructure growth and its utilization rate could severely impact the peak load and must be addressed.

Implications of Climate Change on PV Generation in Semi‑Arid Zones

Adopting photovoltaic (PV) solar energy in regions with abundant sunshine offers a promising pathway for transitioning towards renewable energy sources. However, deploying PV solar energy faces challenges posed by climate change, which can potentially undermine its effectiveness and reliability. One significant concern is the impact of rising temperatures on the efficiency of PV panels, which can lead to reduced electricity production. This paper investigates the potential effects of climate change on PV production in the Cold Desert (BWk) Climate Zone through comprehensive PV performance simulations. Utilizing PVsyst software, we conducted an in-depth analysis of 1MW PV systems under current climate conditions and projected future scenarios in 2060. Our assessment focused on understanding how rising temperatures may affect PV performance in the BWk Climate Zone, characterized by cold winters and hot summers with low precipitation. Figure shows a world map illustrating the current arid, desert, hot (BWh) climate zones and their projected expansion into adjacent areas, potentially turning cold desert (BWk) zones into hotter, arid regions. Orange regions: represent the current BWh climate zones. Red dashed regions: indicate the hypothetical future expansion areas of BWh zones. The simulation results revealed a slight decrease in global horizontal irradiation (GlobHor) from 2230.4 kWh/m² to 2154.8 kWh/m² and a corresponding increase in horizontal diffuse irradiation (DiffHor) from 488.51 kWh/m² to 553.15 kWh/m². The ambient temperature (T_Amb) rose from an annual average of 18.51 °C to 20.07 °C. Despite these climatic changes, the global incident irradiation on the collector plane (GlobInc) and the effective global irradiation corrected for IAM and shadings (GlobEff) showed only minor reductions. Consequently, the energy injected into the grid (E_Grid) experienced a marginal decrease, from 33928.701 kWh to 33856.461 kWh annually. These findings indicate that PV production is expected to decrease, but the reduction is relatively minor, amounting to an insignificant value of 0.021 %. This finding suggests that while climate change may impact PV efficiency due to increased temperatures, the overall effect on PV production in the BWk Climate Zone remains minimal.

Development of a pavement mechanical energy harvesting system

A rack-and-pinion mechanical energy harvester coupled with a displacement transfer plate is optimised for high-speed vehicles. The module, placed at a selected depth from the pavement surface, converts displacements from passing vehicles into excitations to the energy harvester for electricity production. The produced energy could be used to power traffic safety signs, traffic lights, small roadside electronics, and other infrastructure in rural areas. Kinematic modelling was completed to establish power output relations. Sensitivity analysis revealed that small input excitations, under high-speed, could provide the rated revolutions per minute of the generator. Realistic dynamic loading was also imposed by subjecting the energy harvester to a load-unload scenario for compression and recovery. The final design parameters were determined via Monte Carlo simulations, considering a Class-9 truck with wide-base tyres moving at 128 km/h. A future effort will include field validation of the designed energy harvester prototype.

Transforming Energy Use in Agriculture: Pathways to Sustainability and Climate Neutrality in Latvia

The agricultural sector plays an essential role in shifting to a low-carbon economy and climate neutrality. The modernization of the agriculture sector is closely linked to improvements in efficiency and productivity while maintaining sustainability. As one of the main sectors contributing to climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions, the agriculture sector is a crucial player in striving towards more sustainable agricultural systems. A critical challenge in agriculture is the sector's entrenched reliance on fossil fuels, which hinders its progress and prolongs the timeline for achieving climate neutrality. Sustainable agriculture should be implemented in common agricultural policies and payment schemes. The aim of this research is to analyze the potential of transforming energy use in Latvia's agricultural sector towards climate neutrality and energy sustainability. EnergyPRO modelling for the assessment of the energy sector and the possibilities of implementing an energy-sustainable approach were applied, and twenty-five scenarios were analyzed to assess the emissions generated and resources consumed to produce 10 MWh of heat and electricity in both individual and cogeneration systems. The results indicated that hydrogen from wind energy is the most energyefficient resource for thermal or combined heat and power production; hydrogen from wind or solar energy has emerged as the most efficient for electricity production.

How Best to Use Forest Wood for Energy: Perspectives from Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

This paper examines how best to use forest wood for energy application, considering that it is a limited natural resource. Eight systems are considered, including wood stoves, steam systems (boiler, power plant, and combined heat and power (CHP)), and gasification combined systems (gas turbine and combined cycle power plant, CHP, and Fischer–Tropsch). The methodology uses energy analysis and modelling and environmental/sustainability considerations to compare the energy systems. In terms of energy conversion efficiency, steam boilers and high-efficiency wood stoves for heating applications provide the highest efficiencies (~80 to 90%) and should be considered. Steam CHP systems provide lower overall energy conversion efficiencies (~75 to 80%) but do provide some electrical energy, and thus should be considered. The use of wood for the production of electricity on its own should not be considered due to low efficiencies (~20 to 30%). Particulate emissions hinder the application of high-efficiency stoves, especially in urban areas, whereas for industrial-scale steam boilers and CHP systems, particle separators can negate this problem. Gasification/Fischer–Tropsch systems have a lower energy efficiency (~30 to 50%); however, a sustainability argument could be made for liquid fuels that have few sustainable alternatives.

Impacts of future changes in climate variability on Europe’s renewable electricity systems

Abstract The shift toward renewable energy as part of Europe’s climate-neutral strategy increases the energy system's reliance on weather conditions. This study explores the impacts of changes in climate variability and extremes on Europe’s renewable electricity systems, affecting reliability. It uses a large ensemble approach integrating 1600 years of climate data under present-day and +2°C warming scenarios into a modeling framework for wind, solar, and hydropower production alongside electricity demand. The study assesses changes in mean states, variability, and extremes, identifying rare, high-impact events, e.g., energy droughts and multi-year low electricity production. The results reveal notable regional and seasonal variations in energy system dynamics under future warming scenarios. In the Nordic region, increased winter runoff leads to higher hydropower availability, reducing residual loads and shortening energy drought durations. In contrast, Iberia faces growing challenges with extended summer cooling demands, exacerbated by reduced wind and hydropower availability. Importantly, the analysis shows that changes in extremes differ significantly from mean trends, with deviations up to -20% (overestimation) or +4% (underestimation) in the most severe scenarios. Decadal variability analysis underscores the critical influence of natural climate modes like the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV) and the North Atlantic Oscillation on energy production and demand. In the present-day ensemble, the AMV shows strong correlations with energy variables (0.93 for mean demand anomalies and >0.73 for wind power). However, the +2°C warming scenario reduces the statistical significance of these correlations. This study highlights the importance of explicitly analyzing extremes, as mean trends alone may misrepresent (changes in) system risks. By explicitly accounting for both natural variability and climate change, it provides insights into extreme compound events, giving a foundation for robust, adaptive strategies to ensure energy system reliability in a changing climate.

Decision support for engineering and design in a fusion pilot-plant concept using Bayesian networks as meta-models

Abstract This study presents a Bayesian network meta-model approach for reasoning over uncertainty in techno-economic assessments of early-stage commercial-scale fusion pilot plants. Bayesian networks as meta-models offer distinct advantages, such as bi-directional inference and a probabilistic representation of knowledge under uncertainty. In recent work we presented a Bayesian network meta-model framework to aid the nuclear fusion community by facilitating decision making over uncertain knowledge. In this paper, we present an application of our framework to an applied industry case study for fusion developer Tokamak Energy. Through bi-directional reasoning, our results identify the feasible regions for plasma physics and engineering parameters that minimise capital expense and maximise heat and electricity production, meeting criteria set for the US Department of Energy Fusion Development Program. Using the Bayesian network meta-model insights, Tokamak Energy avoid making deterministic decisions, and can optimise engineering design points and allocate resources towards their pilot plant concept without relying purely on assumptions. The decision-making approach can generalise across analysis codes in the fusion community.

Techno-Economic Comparison of a Large-Scale Nuclear Power Plant, Small Modular Reactors, and Wind and Solar Power Plant Deployment

A comparison of the net present value, the payback period, and the levelized cost of electricity for three different projects of construction and exploitation of plants for electricity production with the aim of decarbonizing the energy sector is conducted. The first project is the building of a large-scale nuclear power plant with a light-water reactor, the second one is the deployment of several identical small modular reactors, and the third project is based on solar and wind power plants. Given that the sun and wind are intermittent renewable energy sources, it is inevitable to take into account the construction of an energy storage facility in the last project. The results show that the most profitable are the small modular reactors, while the investment into solar and wind power plants is burdened with the necessary electricity storage plant costs. Another drawback of an investment in solar and wind power plants is their shorter exploitation lifetime of 25 years compared to the long-term operation of nuclear power plants of 60 years or even more.

Electricity generation with biogas from sugarcane vinasse in Colombia

Introduction: The consumption of bioenergy has increased in recent years, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In particular, sugarcane waste has been evaluated in several studies as a potential source of renewable energy. The sugar industry primarily produces sugar and ethanol, and for each liter of ethanol produced, between 10 and 15 liters of vinasse are generated. This residue is highly polluting and, although it is traditionally used for fertigation or disposed of, it holds significant potential for biogas production.Objectives:The main objective of this study was to assess the electricity generation potential from vinasse produced in ethanol plants in Colombia and calculate the CO2 emissions avoided by substituting local electricity use with this renewable energy source.Materials and Methods: Four different scenarios were evaluated based on the percentage of sugarcane juice used for ethanol production. For each scenario, the electricity generation potential from biogas produced by vinasse biodigestion was calculated. Additionally, the CO2 emissions avoided were estimated by comparing the use of vinasse-based electricity with local conventional electricity sources.Results: The results from the different scenarios show that the electricity generation potential ranges between 249,840.36 MWh/year and 437,156.37 MWh/year, depending on the percentage of sugarcane juice used for ethanol production. CO2 emissions avoided ranged from 31,475.26 to 55,081.70 tons of CO2/year. These results indicate that electricity generation from vinasse has a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to local conventional electricity.Conclusions: The valorization of sugarcane vinasse for electricity generation represents a significant step forward in the production of clean electricity in the sugar sector. The results show that this approach not only has high potential for renewable energy generation but also contributes significantly to reducing CO2 emissions, enhancing the sustainability of the sector.

Energy-efficiency of community supported agriculture farms and conventional vegetable production

Given the multiple challenges agriculture faces today, approaches that ensure both food security and the sustainable use of agroecosystems are urgently needed. The concept of community supported agriculture (CSA) is a promising attempt to address all three sustainability dimensions, but empirical research is still limited. Energy efficiency of farming systems is one important aspect when describing their ecological sustainability. This case study compares three CSA farms with three conventional farms, all focusing on vegetable production. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was used to incorporate all relevant energy flows related to vegetable production, including all upstream activities from cradle to farmgate. CSA-farms showed energy return of investment (EROI) factors of 0.13–0.44, while EROI of conventional farms was between 0.02 and 0.69. Energy inputs, particularly fuels, electricity and fertilizer were major determinants, and related to size and structure of farms, while high yield could partially compensate for high energy inputs. CSA farms thereby tended to show relatively low consumption of fossil energy sources, partly due to on-farm electricity production by photovoltaic. Therefore, the performance of CSA regarding EROI of non-renewable energy sources (NRE) was relatively higher (0.17–0.76 compared to 0.05–0.78 for conventional farms). To further improve the energy efficiency, CSA farms need to improve their balance of inputs and outputs (e. g. reduced consumption of fossil fuels without compromising yields). However, CSA reached high energy efficiency if lifecycle costs of distribution were included (EROI = 0.6–3.1), which is likely to be lower in conventional farms with long supply chains and heavy processing. Moreover, CSA also provides additional ecological (e.g., fostering biodiversity, reduction of food loss and waste), social (e.g., education, transparency) and economic benefits (e.g., guaranteed sales). These benefits, as well as a more comprehensive assessment of energy efficiency of different production systems including more farms, need to be considered to better understand the potential contribution of CSA to a transformation toward sustainable food systems.

Improved solar-powered membrane distillation system for potable water and electricity production

Improved solar-powered membrane distillation system for potable water and electricity production

Machine learning-based optimization and dynamic performance analysis of a hybrid geothermal-solar multi-output system for electricity, cooling, desalinated water, and hydrogen production: A case study

Machine learning-based optimization and dynamic performance analysis of a hybrid geothermal-solar multi-output system for electricity, cooling, desalinated water, and hydrogen production: A case study

Atoms for Agency: How Argentina’s Pursuit of Nuclear Power Plants Represents International Legitimacy and Autonomy, 1951-1978.

Since 1949 Argentina has developed nuclear power plants (NPPs), overcoming political instability and financial barriers, to eventually succeed in the activation of Latin America’s first nuclear power plant, Atucha-1, in 1974. However, given the ample means of electrical production though fossil fuels and hydroelectric power, NPPs in Argentina present a paradoxical means of electrical production. This paper analyzes the history of Argentina’s nuclear power program, from 1951-1978, in order to offer a more holistic understanding of why NPPs were developed. I argue that nuclear power in Argentina was motivated not by a desire for electrical generation or to manufacture nuclear weapons, but rather as a means to attain international legitimacy and autonomy. This approach, referred to as “atoms for agency” serves as a central theme in this paper. First, this research looks to 1951, when Argentine President Juan Perón and Dr. Ronald Richter claimed they had achieved nuclear fusion. Although this announcement was ultimately disproven, it reveals that the core components of “atoms for agency,” international legitimacy and autonomy, existed even in the earliest days of Argentina’s nuclear power program. Subsequently, the progression of nuclear power plants during the 1960s reinforces the claim of Argentina’s desire for “atoms for agency”. Bidding efforts for the construction of Atucha-1 granted Argentina international recognition, while simultaneously serving as a strategic method to obtain more a favorable financial deal. The ultimate decision to work with Siemens AG, a German company, and the terms of this deal speak to Argentina’s utilization of nuclear power as a means to secure autonomy. However, the reactor design of Atucha-1 and the overall path of Argentina’s nuclear power program brought with them an increased level of scrutiny by the United States in the 1970s. Under the Carter Administration, the United States (US) engaged in a variety of diplomatic measures to influence Argentine ratification the Treaty of Tlatelolco, a nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The ultimate failure of the US to achieve this goal, and Argentine resistance towards ratification, further reinforce the claim that nuclear power served to offer Argentina international legitimacy and autonomy, otherwise known as “atoms for agency.”

Environmental Impacts of Different Electricity Production Scenarios in France

This study focuses on the environmental impacts of the electricity production scenarios proposed for France for 2060 by the French electricity network manager, RTE. They consider an increasing electricity consumption and a production without fossil fuels, essentially based on wind, photovoltaic, hydraulic, and, for some, nuclear power. The total power to install is significantly higher than the current one; it is higher in the scenarios that rely more on photovoltaic and less on nuclear. Renewable energies require more materials than nuclear, especially photovoltaics. The Simapro Life Cycle Assessment software is used, associated with the Ecoinvent database and CML criteria. Generally, photovoltaic electricity production, which needs more installed capacity, has a more significant impact on the environment, while hydraulic power has less effect. Based on the energy produced as well as on the installed capacity, neglecting the risk of nuclear accidents and nuclear waste management, fossil fuels being excluded from the comparisons, the scenarios that require nuclear power have less environmental impact; those that rely more on photovoltaic power have more environmental impact. For example, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions would range from 6.8 to 10.4 g per kWh from one scenario to another. This study can be helpful for policy-makers who have to choose future ways of generating electricity.