The role of nuclear power in mitigating emissions from electricity generation

This article presents an updated overview of recent literature on the role of nuclear power in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) and particulate matter (PM) emissions from electricity generation. Emission intensities are strongly dependent on the country of operation and type of technology used in each category of power production options, but robust observations can be made with regards to the average emission intensity of each main alternative. The majority of emissions from nuclear energy is associated with parts of its overall life cycle other than the operation of nuclear power plants. Technological progress in especially uranium enrichment has recently yielded energy intensity reductions that have significantly lowered the GHG footprint of nuclear power, which at present amounts to 5–17 gCO2eq/kWh. As a result, average GHG emissions are today around two orders of magnitude lower for nuclear energy than for conventional coal-based power production. This article also addresses the feasibility of potential deployment scenarios for nuclear power and their implications in terms of global GHG emissions mitigation. ► This is a literature review of the role of nuclear power in mitigating GHG and PM emissions. ► Progress in uranium enrichment has recently yielded significant energy intensity reductions. ► The GHG footprint of nuclear power at present amounts to 5–17 gCO2eq/kWh. ► This is two orders of magnitude lower than for conventional coal-based power production. ► The feasibility is addressed of potential nuclear power deployment scenarios.