UN body says nuclear power ‘vital tool’ for curbing emissions

Efforts to curb rising temperatures will not succeed if nuclear power is excluded from the generation mix, a UN body has warned.

In a technology brief on nuclear power, issued on Wednesday, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), said the technology can be a “vital tool” for the continent’s governments as they seek to meet the Paris agreement goals to keep average global temperature increases within 2C of pre-industrial levels.

It said that nuclear power is an “important source” of low-carbon electricity and heat that contributes to attaining carbon neutrality and has played a “major role” in avoiding carbon dioxide emissions to date.

Over the past 50 years, the brief said the use of nuclear power has reduced global CO2 emissions by about 74 gigatonnes, or nearly two years’ worth of total global energy-related emissions. Only hydropower has played a greater role in reducing historic emissions

It said: “Decarbonising energy is a significant undertaking that requires the use of all available low-carbon technologies. Analyses indicate that the world’s climate objectives will not be met if nuclear technologies are excluded.”

“Nuclear power is a proven source of electricity and a vital tool for helping the world successfully mitigate the impacts of climate change. Countries that choose to pursue it will therefore need to dramatically accelerate reactor deployment in the years ahead to help prevent a temperature rise of greater than 2C.’

The UNECE brief also said that heat produced during the nuclear process could be a “viable” means of decarbonising energy-intensive industries such as chemical production, pulp and paper manufacturing, and steel production.

While existing reactors are chiefly geared for the bulk provision of low-cost electricity, the report said future small modular reactors and advanced reactor designs are expected to provide the high temperatures and flexible locating that could “truly open up” non-electric uses like industry.

Welcoming the report, Nuclear Industry Association chief executive Tom Greatrex said: “This report is a timely reminder that nuclear is absolutely vital if we are to hit net zero as a planet. Nuclear delivers reliable, clean power, new opportunities for industrial decarbonisation and good, well-paying jobs for a green economy. The retirements of existing stations right across the world, including in the UK, mean we need to act today, or we will lose jobs and see higher emissions.”

He said the price for failing to ensure a level playing field for all low-carbon technologies is “far too high.”

The UNECE is one of five regional commissions of the UN to promote social and economic development.