{"id":29367,"date":"2022-12-02T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/?post_type=faqs&#038;p=29367"},"modified":"2024-08-15T14:31:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-15T13:31:07","slug":"role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions","status":"publish","type":"faqs","link":"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/explainers\/role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the role of nuclear in the energy mix and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"UTF-8\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much nuclear energy is currently produced worldwide &ndash; and in the UK?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time of writing (November 2022), there are 437 operable nuclear reactors for electricity generation across 32 countries around the world, according to the&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/facts-and-figures\/world-nuclear-power-reactors-and-uranium-requireme.aspx\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">World Nuclear Association&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, with 60 further nuclear reactors being constructed in 18 countries. Together, nuclear plants provided around 10% of the world&rsquo;s electricity production in 2021. France relies most heavily on nuclear: <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.org\/resources\/statistics\/world-nuclear-generation-and-capacity\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">69%&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>&nbsp;of its electricity was supplied from nuclear power in 2021. Nuclear power also provided at least a quarter of the electricity supply of a further 12 countries in that year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK has nine operational nuclear reactors across six plants, which in total generated&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/statistics\/electricity-chapter-5-digest-of-united-kingdom-energy-statistics-dukes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">about 15%<strong>&#65279;<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;of its electricity in 2021. Five of these plants are <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/nuclear-energy-what-you-need-to-know\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">due to retire by the end of the decade&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, although this will be partly offset by the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project in Somerset, due to come online in 2027. HPC is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK since 1987 and is expected to meet an estimated <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/initial-agreement-reached-on-new-nuclear-power-station-at-hinkley\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">7% of the UK&rsquo;s electricity demand&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> once it is running at full capacity. In November 2022, the UK Government announced that it will <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/speeches\/the-autumn-statement-2022-speech\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">proceed with the construction&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> of a second new plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk, which will be a replica of HPC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What role could nuclear power play in reducing emissions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nuclear power has a minimal carbon footprint of around&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/633779\/Chapter_5.pdf\">15&ndash;50 grams of CO<sub>2<\/sub> per kilowatt hour (gCO<sub>2<\/sub>\/KWh<\/a>). In comparison, the average footprint of a gas-powered generator is around&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0960148117301258\">450 gCO<sub>2<\/sub>\/KWh<\/a>&nbsp;and for coal it is around&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0960148117301258\">1,050 gCO<sub>2<\/sub>\/KWh<\/a>. Nuclear power can therefore contribute to the decarbonisation of the global energy system. Nuclear currently provides almost&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/nuclear-power-in-a-clean-energy-system\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">30% of the world&rsquo;s low-carbon electricity&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, making it the second largest source after hydropower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear energy enables about&nbsp;1.5 gigatonnes (Gt) of global emissions and 180 billion cubic metres (bcm) of global gas demand to be <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/nuclear-power-and-secure-energy-transitions\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">avoided each year&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. According to <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/net-zero-by-2050\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">its roadmap&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> for bringing energy-related CO<sub>2<\/sub> emissions to net zero by 2050, global nuclear capacity would need to almost double from current levels to reach 812 gigawatts (GW) in 2050. The IEA argues that less nuclear power would make global net zero ambitions <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/iea.blob.core.windows.net\/assets\/016228e1-42bd-4ca7-bad9-a227c4a40b04\/NuclearPowerandSecureEnergyTransitions.pdf\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">harder and more expensive&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> to achieve. The UK Climate Change Committee suggests that under a &lsquo;balanced pathway&rsquo; to net zero emissions, nuclear capacity in the country would reach&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theccc.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Sector-summary-Electricity-generation.pdf\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">10 GW by 2035&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> from the current levels of about 6 GW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But nuclear is unlikely to be the answer on its own. Putting aside concerns about safety and costs, nuclear power is well suited to providing baseload power but is&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/00963402.2016.1264203\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">poorly suited to dealing with power fluctuations on the grid&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> (in either supply or demand). Nor are nuclear power plants able to provide backup power to complement intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, as they do not&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/00963402.2016.1264203\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">have the capability to ramp up and down quickly&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are current attitudes towards nuclear?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Fukushima disaster triggered by the Japanese tsunami of March 2011 significantly changed the global outlook for nuclear power. In the immediate aftermath, Japan took almost all of its nuclear power plants offline, leading global nuclear power generation <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/data-and-statistics\/data-tools\/energy-statistics-data-browser?country=WORLD&amp;fuel=Energy%20supply&amp;indicator=ElecGenByFuel\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">to decline through 2012&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. Similarly, Germany decided to phase out nuclear power entirely by 2022 (a decision that has since been delayed). Globally, <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iaea.org\/newscenter\/news\/nuclear-power-10-years-after-fukushima-the-long-road-back\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">48 GW equivalent of nuclear capacity&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> is estimated to have been lost since 2011 due to plants that were either permanently shut down or did not have their operational lifetimes extended following Fukushima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The policy landscape has changed rapidly in the past few years, creating conditions for a potential <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/nuclear-power-and-secure-energy-transitions\/executive-summary\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">&lsquo;nuclear comeback&rsquo;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. As of November 2022, <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/climateactiontracker.org\/global\/cat-net-zero-target-evaluations\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">around 140 countries&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> had announced, or were considering, net zero targets, representing close to 90% of global emissions, and many of these countries, including China and India, have announced energy strategies that include a substantial role for nuclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More recently, the global energy crisis in the wake of Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine has made reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels the top energy security priority. The dual challenges of improving energy security and reducing emissions have reinforced the case for nuclear in many places. For example, the EU has included nuclear in its <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.world-nuclear-news.org\/Articles\/Nuclear-included-in-EU-s-repowering-plan\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">REPowerEU plan&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>; the US has introduced tax credits for existing nuclear plants and support for advanced reactors in its <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/ne\/articles\/inflation-reduction-act-keeps-momentum-building-nuclear-power\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Inflation Reduction Act&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>; and the UK has committed to progressing up to eight new nuclear reactors by 2030 in its <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/british-energy-security-strategy\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Energy Security Strategy&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/business\/energy\/germany-create-legal-basis-extend-lifespan-three-nuclear-plants-letter-2022-10-17\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Germany&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> has decided to extend the lifetime of its three remaining nuclear plants beyond 2022, while <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/iea.blob.core.windows.net\/assets\/016228e1-42bd-4ca7-bad9-a227c4a40b04\/NuclearPowerandSecureEnergyTransitions.pdf\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Belgium and Korea&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> have also scaled back plans to phase out existing nuclear plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the main controversies surrounding nuclear power?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Safety<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public concern over the safety&nbsp;of nuclear power increased after the Fukushima disaster. The accident prompted reviews of safety and pledges to move away from nuclear in some cases. However, countries take different stances on this issue. In the UK, for instance, there is strong political support for and <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/statistics\/beis-public-attitudes-tracker-winter-2021\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">minimal public opposition&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> to civil nuclear industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Waste<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lack of a permanent solution for nuclear waste raises concerns. Deep geological disposal in the form of purpose-built caves hundreds of metres below ground is widely agreed to be the best solution for the final disposal of high-level nuclear waste. However, there is only one such facility currently in the pipeline, <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.world-nuclear-news.org\/Articles\/Finnish-fuel-encapsulation-plant-enters-installati\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">due to open in Finland&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> in 2023. A <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/nuclear-fuel-cycle\/nuclear-waste\/storage-and-disposal-of-radioactive-waste.aspx\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">handful of other countries&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> including France, Sweden, US, UK and Canada are only at the stage of selecting preferred sites for such facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Cost<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nuclear power is expensive&nbsp;for a number of reasons. Both developing new safety requirements and building the new Generation III reactors (such as those fuelling the UK&rsquo;s Hinkley Point C power station) have been costly. Critics argue that as the cost of renewable energy falls, the case for nuclear power weakens. However, some countries are able to deliver nuclear projects <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carbonbrief.org\/new-nuclear-power-in-uk-would-be-the-worlds-most-costly-says-report\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">at lower costs than others&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> (for instance through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/hal.archives-ouvertes.fr\/hal-00956292\/document\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">standardisation<strong>&#65279;<\/strong><\/a>; see evidence from&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/michaelshellenberger\/2018\/06\/21\/if-innovation-makes-everything-cheaper-why-does-it-make-nuclear-power-more-expensive\/?sh=7f23fbde2d7d\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Korea&#65279;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>), which suggests that some costs are context-specific and, in theory, avoidable. The&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.world-nuclear.org\/information-library\/economic-aspects\/economics-of-nuclear-power.aspx\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">World Nuclear Association argues&#65279;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>&nbsp;that although nuclear plants are expensive to build, they are relatively cheap to run, making them cost competitive with many other forms of electricity generation. Nuclear is still considered to be the baseload low-carbon technology with the&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/projected-costs-of-generating-electricity-2020\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">lowest expected&#65279;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/projected-costs-of-generating-electricity-2020\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">&nbsp;&#65279;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/projected-costs-of-generating-electricity-2020\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">global average cost&#65279;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>&nbsp;in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can innovations in nuclear energy make it a more attractive option?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Advanced nuclear technologies including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) are smaller&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/advanced-nuclear-technologies\/advanced-nuclear-technologies\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">than conventional reactors&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> and can be constructed in a modular way (with elements fabricated in a factory environment for assembly onsite), reducing bespoke construction requirements and potentially cutting the upfront capital costs of nuclear projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some AMRs yield much higher&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd-nea.org\/jcms\/pl_20497\/high-temperature-gas-cooled-reactors\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">outlet temperatures&#65279;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>&nbsp;than conventional reactors, which enables nuclear to be used for a range of additional purposes to electricity generation, including the direct provision of high-grade heat for heavy industry (e.g. glass, paper, chemicals) and the efficient production of low-carbon hydrogen. These innovations could diversify the application areas of nuclear energy and unlock a bigger role for it in the global transition to net zero emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nuclear power is currently derived from fission (splitting the uranium atom), but a major technological advancement that researchers are currently working on is nuclear&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iaea.org\/bulletin\/what-is-fusion-and-why-is-it-so-difficult-to-achieve\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">fusion&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, which essentially means creating a star on the face of Earth &ndash; an unlimited source of low-carbon power. But fusion research is extremely costly. For example, ITER (the&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/interactive\/2022\/05\/world\/iter-nuclear-fusion-climate-intl-cnnphotos\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">international megaproject&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>&nbsp;aiming to bring fusion to life) is now estimated to cost &euro;22 billion, up from an initial estimate of &euro;6 billion. However,&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.imeche.org\/docs\/default-source\/1-oscar\/reports-policy-statements-and-documents\/imeche-fusion-report-ao.pdf?sfvrsn=a9a29112_2\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">private sector investment&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>&nbsp;in fusion is growing rapidly, indicating increasing confidence that it can eventually be commercialised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This Explainer was updated by Esin Serin in December 2022.<\/em><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"UTF-8\"><p>This Explainer reviews the role of nuclear power in electricity generation worldwide, current innovations in nuclear technology, and attitudes and controversies surrounding it.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":63275,"template":"","tags":[4199,512,568,4198],"faq-type":[230],"topic_area":[4696],"class_list":["post-29367","faqs","type-faqs","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-hinkley-point-c","tag-nuclear-energy","tag-nuclear-power","tag-sizewell-c","faq-type-energy","topic_area-uk-emissions-policy"],"acf":{"profile_link":{"ref_value":"field_52f164b5189e9","value":["role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions"],"type":"relationship","post_type":""},"spotlight":{"ref_value":"field_52f80896506d3","value":"","type":false,"post_type":""},"article_link":{"ref_value":"field_5fe212f22c4d4","value":"","type":false,"post_type":""}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is the role of nuclear in the energy mix and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions? - Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This Explainer reviews how much nuclear power contributes to electricity generation worldwide, current innovations in nuclear technology, and attitudes and controversies.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/explainers\/role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is the role of nuclear in the energy mix and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions? - Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This Explainer reviews how much nuclear power contributes to electricity generation worldwide, current innovations in nuclear technology, and attitudes and controversies.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/explainers\/role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-08-15T13:31:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/8134166980_2017626ac3_k-e1669967855291.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"100\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"63\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lse.ac.uk\\\/granthaminstitute\\\/explainers\\\/role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lse.ac.uk\\\/granthaminstitute\\\/explainers\\\/role-nuclear-power-energy-mix-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions\\\/\",\"name\":\"What is the role of nuclear in the energy mix and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions? 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