Decarbonisation and nuclear energy. An EU-wide SWOT analysis.

Abstract

Objectives The main objective of the paper is to prove nuclear energy viability within the EU in the context of rising ecological concerns and a high demand for low-carbon electricity. Therefore, a multi-faceted outlook of the EU nuclear sector is to be constructed. Even though a holistic industry view sheds a light on all kinds of issues, an emphasis is to be made on the ecological & performance issues. The ecological and performance issues are accented in order to corroborate that nuclear energy should be a part-and-parcel of the future low-carbon electricity market, if Europe is to make a profound transformation with cleaner energy.

Summary Nuclear energy indeed remains a promising source for electricity generation, especially in the light of climate change and consequent emissions reductions. Nuclear is capable of delivering sufficient amounts of clean energy on a constant basis and will fit in perfectly in a system of renewable energies that require back-up. The advent of Small Modular Reactors has a potential to give nuclear sector a second wind by alleviating the investment burden which has long been at the core of restricting forces for nuclear.

Conclusions With a critically important call for decarbonization, and Europe’s desire to become the first net zero carbon emissions continent, all low-carbon sources of energy are expected to participate in the energy transition. Nuclear energy has some of the lowest carbon dioxide emissions among all of the currently available sources. Moreover, recent developments, such as SMR technology and long-term repositories are capable of solving what used to be eternal issues for nuclear-waste and investment.