Long-Term Use of Nuclear Energy from the Aspect of Economy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Dinka Lale () and Dubravko Pevec
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Dinka Lale: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Applied Computing, University of Dubrovnik, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubravko Pevec: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-16

Abstract: Conventional sources of electricity are limited and they pollute the Earth, so it is necessary to think about an additional source of electricity in the future. Nuclear power is one of the options. Two scenarios using different shares of nuclear power in the future are described in this paper. Scenario 1 describes a moderate increase in nuclear energy use in the future, but with a tendency for a larger increase over 2050. Scenario 2 describes a significant increase in nuclear energy until 2100. Both scenarios are divided into three sub-scenarios (total six) in which the use of different nuclear technologies is analyzed (conventional liquid water reactors, fast breeder reactors and molten salt reactors using thorium as nuclear fuel). In all scenarios, the phase-out of fossil fuel power plants is assumed. One part of the power system is covered by nuclear power plants, and the remaining part is covered by renewable energy power plants. After 2050, an increasing share of the electricity system will be taken over by RES power plants. Nuclear fuel stocks are also analyzed. It is calculated that currently known nuclear fuel stocks are sufficient to meet the needs in all six scenarios. The carbon dioxide emissions saved due to nuclear energy use instead of conventional energy power plants are calculated. The CO 2eq emission savings for Scenario 1 is 87.4% of the recommended emission savings under the IPCC. The CO 2eq emission savings for Scenario 2 is more than sufficient. A calculation of the economic profitability of nuclear energy use is made in relation to fossil power plants and renewable energy power plants. According to calculations, nuclear energy is profitable compared to other energy sources. Nuclear energy use is positive from all the mentioned aspects.

Keywords: electricity sources; greenhouse gases emission; nuclear energy; nuclear fuel stocks; levelized costs of electricity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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