The Role of Nuclear Power in Europe (Executive Summary)

Energy is and will remain one of the major global concerns of the 21st century and Europe is no exception. With global energy demand expected to grow strongly in the coming years, burning questions are now being raised over the future of energy supplies, the economic competitiveness of different energy sources and the associated environmental impacts. The European policy makers and the energy industry currently face three major challenges: ensuring security of energy supply, stabilizing or reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining economic competitiveness by keeping energy prices at an affordable level. The final costs of kWh depend on local legislation and taxes, which impact the discount rate, given that nuclear plants are highly capital intensive. As nuclear power generation does not produce greenhouse gases and emissions, the key sources in creating global climate change and air pollution, it would undoubtedly help tackle growing environmental concerns. The actual amount of spent nuclear fuel produced globally every year is relatively small. Given nuclear power's excellent operational safety record in Europe during past five decades, public concern in many countries today is shifting from operational risks to nuclear waste management. The future contribution of nuclear power to society will depend on innovation, such as development of new reactor and fuel cycle technologies