Standard content for Members only
To continue reading this article, please login to your Utility Week account, Start 14 day trial or Become a member.
If your organisation already has a corporate membership and you haven’t activated it simply follow the register link below. Check here.
“The challenges facing the nuclear industry in Europe and North America should not distract us from positive developments seen elsewhere.”
Nuclear energy must play a significant role in generation worldwide to meet our global needs for reliable, affordable and clean electricity.
Operating and fuel costs for nuclear generation are a relatively small component of overall generation costs, so the long-term predictable and affordable nature of nuclear generation will become increasingly attractive.
And concerns about security of supply and increases in carbon pricing make the economic attractiveness of nuclear clear.
But volatility in energy prices is leading investors in deregulated markets to be conservative, to prioritise short-term returns over more environmentally sustainable and economically sound long-term investment.
The situation doesn’t just affect nuclear energy. Investment in any major energy infrastructure is challenging in deregulated markets, but nuclear is particularly affected because of the initial capital investment.
Electricity brings incredible benefits, but many current technologies are a source of harmful pollution. Policies must steer us to an environmentally sound energy mix.
There are some policies already in place, but these are often piecemeal and flawed. There are examples of positive national policies, but too often nuclear energy loses out to renewables for perceived political expediency.
But the challenges facing the nuclear industry in parts of Europe and North America should not distract us from positive developments seen elsewhere.
China has restarted approvals for new nuclear construction and remains on track to develop nearly 60GW of electrical capacity by the end of this decade. And yet, even with this remarkable development, nuclear energy will only supply a fraction of China’s electricity needs.
At Barakah, Abu Dhabi, three of the four planned reactors are under construction.
In Turkey two new-build projects have recently made major progress. Ground has been broken at Akkuyu on four reactors supplied by Rosatom. And in Sinop construction should start soon on four Atmea 1 reactors supplied by Areva and Mitsubishi.
Agneta Rising, director general, World Nuclear Association
Please login or Register to leave a comment.