The UN has identified climate change as the “defining issue of our time”. The primary drive of climate change is global warming. To achieve our climate goals, deep decarbonization is essential.
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, countries have committed to adopt measures to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The goal is to limit the increase of the global mean surface temperature by the end of the century to below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. However, there is increasing scientific understanding of the significant risks associated with a 2°C increase in temperature. Along with growing societal concern, this has underscored the need for more urgent and ambitious action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. This includes limiting warming to 1.5°C, which is now recognized as a crucial threshold.
To achieve this goal, it is crucial to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from electricity generation to nearly zero by the middle of this century. With the context, Nuclear power is indeed considered a low-carbon source of energy.
Why should we go for nuclear energy?
Wind, solar, and geothermal energy are becoming more popular, but the best policies will make sure these technologies work together with nuclear power, not instead of it. Keeping and increasing our use of nuclear power is a big way to cut down on greenhouse gases and help us seriously fight climate change.
Nuclear power is among the world’s cleanest energy sources, emitting very little greenhouse gas. Its extremely low CO2 emission rate, which is four times lower than that of solar power, makes it crucial for transitioning to a low-carbon future.
Nuclear energy has demonstrated its potential to drive sustainable energy transitions long before climate change became a major concern. For example, France generates over 70% of its electricity from nuclear power, which is the highest nuclear share of any country worldwide. As a result, its electricity sector emissions are only one-sixth of the European average.
Nuclear power is not only environmentally friendly but also provides a steady supply of electricity due to its robust production system, which can adjust to fluctuations in demand. This stability in the grid and its controllable nature make nuclear power crucial for ensuring a secure electricity supply, benefiting hospitals, businesses, and households alike.
Even as nuclear energy’s importance in meeting national climate goals is increasingly acknowledged, the current market might not be able to generate the necessary level of investment in nuclear power to achieve net-zero emissions. To fully leverage financial markets and meet climate and energy security objectives, public sector financing and infrastructure development will be essential.
Nuclear power has one of the lowest carbon footprints among low-carbon technologies. Its ability to operate 24/7 and flexibly makes it a valuable contributor to the stability and security of a fully decarbonized power system. It also serves as a good complement to renewable sources of energy.
