Keeping the Nuclear Energy Option Open

Abstract

Nuclear energy already plays a crucial role in reducing emissions from generating electricity. Without expanding this role, it will be extremely difficult to achieve the international goal of avoiding unacceptable changes in global climate. The evidence presented here shows that the climate benefits of nuclear energy can be obtained without significant impacts on safety, security, or energy costs. Moreover, in most countries, a stable low carbon electrical grid cannot be implemented if nuclear is excluded from the energy mix. This analysis leads to recommendations for national energy policies and measures, including sharing of technologies, R&D priorities, best practices, and international regulatory programs.