Nuclear power produces less CO2 emissions over its lifecycle than any other electricity source, according to a new report by UNECE. In its analysis of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, the commission found that nuclear has the lowest carbon footprint, measured in grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, of any technology.
The report also finds nuclear to have the lowest lifecycle land use, as well as the lowest lifecycle mineral and metal requirements of all the clean technologies. Nuclear’s sustainability makes it a vital tool in helping Britain achieve net zero alongside renewable sources.
Nuclear and renewables are all zero-carbon at the point of generation, but every electricity source produces some CO2 at various stages, including construction, operation and decommissioning. The UNECE study says nuclear ranges from 5.1 – 6.4g CO2 equivalent per kWh of generation. For comparison, wind is 7.8 – 21g CO2 eq./kWh and solar ranges from 7.2 – 83g CO2 eq./kWh. All are many times lower than gas at 403 – 513g CO2 eq./kWh and coal at 753 – 1095g CO2 eq./kWh.
The UNECE report supports the findings of a separate independent report into the lifecycle emissions of Britain’s newest nuclear power projects, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. That report found that the two projects were likely to have a lifecycle impact of 5.5g CO2 eq./kWh.
The two projects would have the lowest carbon intensity and highest clean energy output of any in British history.
Reacting to the UNECE report, Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said,
“Here we have a detailed, scientific assessment confirming nuclear as a green and sustainable technology, that uses less carbon, less land, and less material than any other. If we are serious about cutting emissions and meeting net zero targets, we must act on the science and build new nuclear alongside other low-carbon sources of energy.”
Source: https://www.niauk.org/