New Research / We Cannot Rely On Variable Renewables Without Nuclear

Nuclear power is the largest source of low-carbon electricity in the developed world and the second largest, after hydro, in the world as a whole, the report by Imperial College’s Grantham Institute - Climate Change and Environment said.

In countries with limited hydro power, it is also one of the few options for low-carbon electricity that do not depend on local weather conditions. The paper pointed out that in France, which largely relies on nuclear power for its electricity, has reduced the carbon intensity of its economy to less than half the average for developed nations. In Germany, the phasing out of nuclear power is, at least for the time being, prolonging dependence on coal, said the paper.

“Currently we cannot rely on variable renewables without the need for baseline generation such as nuclear,” the paper concluded. However, if nuclear power is to fulfil its potential to provide reliable low-carbon electricity, “the industry will need to demonstrate reliable construction, reduced costs, and greater flexibility of operation”.

Full report for subscribers: https://bit.ly/2vHjkbg