Energy analysis of a power generating system

The application of energy analysis to nuclear power has provoked considerable controversy about both methodology and conclusions. This paper looks at the results of a UKAEA developed computer programme applied to a variety of nuclear scenarios. It concludes that energy analysis can add to understanding of energy problems but that the results can be misleading if applied to a single resource like fossil fuel. Any meaningful investment in nuclear power is not likely to repay its investment energy for at least four years after the first station is commissioned. (author)