The Challenges and Potential of Nuclear Energy for Addressing Climate Change

Kim, Son H. ; Edmonds, James A.

关键词: CAPACITY;    CARBON;    CARBON DIOXIDE;    CLIMATES;    CONSTRUCTION;    DOLLARS;    ECONOMICS;    ELECTRICITY;    ENERGY SYSTEMS;    GREENHOUSE GASES;    NUCLEAR ENERGY;    NUCLEAR FUELS;    NUCLEAR POWER;    PROLIFERATION;    STABILIZATION;    URANIUM;    VIS;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1009324
RP-ID  :  PNNL-17037
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1009324
Others  :  Other: 830403000
Others  :  TRN: US1101752

学科分类：核能源与工程

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

The response to climate change and the stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations has major implications for the global energy system. Stabilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations requires a peak and an indefinite decline of global CO2 emissions. Nuclear energy, along with other technologies, has the potential to contribute to the growing demand for energy without emitting CO2. Nuclear energy is of particular interest because of its global prevalence and its current significant contribution, nearly 20%, to the world’s electricity supply. We have investigated the value of nuclear energy in addressing climate change, and have explored the potential challenges for the rapid and large-scale expansion of nuclear energy as a response to climate change. The scope of this study is long-term and the modeling time frame extends out a century because the nature of nuclear energy and climate change dictate that perspective. Our results indicate that the value of the nuclear technology option for addressing climate change is denominated in trillions of dollars. Several-fold increases to the value of the nuclear option can be expected if there is limited availability of competing carbon-free technologies, particularly fossil-fuel based technologies that can capture and sequester carbon. Challenges for the expanded global use of nuclear energy include the global capacity for nuclear construction, proliferation, uranium availability, and waste disposal. While the economic costs of nuclear fuel and power are important, non-economic issues transcend the issues of costs. In this regard, advanced nuclear technologies and new vision for the global use of nuclear energy are important considerations for the future of nuclear power and climate change.