Potential role of nuclear power in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

The paper is based upon studies carried out by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) aiming at assessing the magnitude of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions that could be achieved by alternative, plausible long-term scenarios of nuclear power development. The paper presents detailed estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from the entire nuclear fuel chain supporting the statement that nuclear energy is essentially carbon free. The role of nuclear power in lowering the carbon intensity of energy systems is illustrated by statistical data analysis showing the correlation between carbon dioxide emission reduction and the share of nuclear power in electricity generation. The results show that, as long as nuclear energy is used only for electricity generation, its role in reducing GHG emissions will remain limited, although significant. In a long term perspective, development of non-electrical applications of nuclear energy, such as heat, potable water and hydrogen production, could enlarge significantly the nuclear contribution to carbon free energy mixes