Nuclear Is the Lowest-Carbon Energy Source

Climate change mitigation targets and efforts to keep global temperature rise at 1.5 degrees have opened the door to increased investment in clean energy sources worldwide. The decisions taken at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) held in Glasgow on 'phasing out coal' and 'regular review of emissions reduction plans' are expected to further drive demand for these energy sources. According to experts, among low-carbon energy sources in achieving climate targets, nuclear energy stands out as the most notable energy type due to its ability to provide clean and carbon-neutral energy continuously and at low operating cost. World Nuclear Association Director-General Sama Bilbao y Len, in a statement following COP 26, said, "Nuclear energy has emerged as one of the largest providers of clean and low-emission energy 24 hours a day following COP 26. We saw exciting commitments from the United Kingdom, France, the United States and Romania to develop next-generation nuclear reactors. These reactors have already provided clean and low-carbon energy for over 60 years. As nuclear technologies continue to advance, next-generation reactors will build on this further. Nuclear reactors have prevented 70 billion tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere to date, and today more than one-quarter of the world's low-carbon electricity generation is produced by these reactors," while the latest report from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) once again emphasized how critically important nuclear energy is for the world's future.

Nuclear ahead of both wind and solar

Carbon footprint is measured in grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour (kWh). According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) report, nuclear energy has the lowest carbon footprint compared to any other electricity source, including wind, solar, gas and coal. According to figures in the report, nuclear energy results in carbon dioxide emissions in the range of 5.1-6.4g per kilowatt-hour, while wind energy results in emissions of 7.8-21g per kilowatt-hour and solar energy in the range of 7.2-83g per kilowatt-hour. According to the report, all these energy sources still remain far behind gas, which causes 403-513g CO2 per kilowatt-hour, and coal, which causes 753-1,095g CO2. Nuclear Industry Association CEO Tom Greatrex, noting that the report is quite 'detailed' and 'scientific', stated that with the report, nuclear energy's status as a 'clean and sustainable technology' has been confirmed. In his statement, Greatrex said, "If we are serious about reducing emissions and reaching net-zero targets, we must act in light of science and build new nuclear power plants alongside other low-carbon energy sources."

"Nuclear energy is indispensable for net-zero"

Hacettepe University Nuclear Engineering Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şule Ergün evaluated the report by saying, "Another new scientific study documenting that nuclear energy produces less carbon dioxide emissions throughout its operational life than all other electricity sources. The United Nations UNECE report salutes nuclear as the lowest-carbon, clean energy source while once again reminding of nuclear's indispensable role in all 'net-zero' scenarios." Pointing out that the growing difficulty of preventing global warming clearly shows that the use of nuclear power plants in electricity generation must be increased, Ergün drew attention to the need for sharp reductions in carbon emissions by the middle of the century for a livable future. Ergün stated, "A reliable zero-carbon energy source is essential for solving the climate problem. Especially until problems related to renewable energy use are resolved, nuclear energy should be given a fair chance as part of the solution to fight climate change." Speaking as "We cannot rapidly reduce emissions by using political preferences or unscientific views to decide what is clean and good," Ergün emphasized that breaking prejudices against nuclear requires following science, real evidence and data. Highlighting that the current situation is beginning to turn the wind in nuclear's favor, Ergün said the following: "With the effects of the pandemic beginning to recover, there has been a significant increase in energy demand. This also led to rises in natural gas and oil prices. With the effects of climate change also being seen very strongly, many countries directed their energy investments toward green energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass and nuclear. Among these investments, nuclear energy clearly stands out in terms of continuity, its ability to produce electricity for years without carbon emissions and providing energy at low cost after construction. Currently, many countries have started to emphasize nuclear in their future strategies precisely because of all these characteristics. One of the most striking examples in this regard is France. The country, which previously announced it would reduce nuclear's share in energy, now acknowledges that it cannot reach its climate targets without nuclear. President Macron recently announced that his country will build next-generation nuclear reactors to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and to guarantee energy supply and security. Last October, energy ministers from 10 European Union member states, including France, Finland and Poland, noted that 'nuclear energy should be part of the solution to the climate crisis' and called on the European Commission to 'classify nuclear energy as green energy'. The Netherlands and Sweden also supported this call. The United Kingdom also announced a program aimed at rapid growth in the nuclear sector. Eastern European countries are trying to emphasize investments in SMR-type nuclear projects. China announced it will build 150 nuclear reactors within 15 years. Japan is planning new nuclear power plant investments to increase its dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear currently accounts for 49.19 percent of low-carbon electricity in the EU. Europe needs nuclear to achieve its climate targets. Data shows that it cannot achieve its electricity generation targets with renewable sources alone. The European Union must now act with a scientific perspective on nuclear energy in combating climate change and must not overlook a zero-carbon electricity source. The inclusion of nuclear energy in the taxonomy is very important for achieving all net-zero targets."

"The cleanest, fastest and most cost-effective energy"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ergün, stating that keeping existing nuclear power plants operating is the cleanest, fastest and cheapest way to provide clean electricity, described the consequences of early closure of nuclear power plants as follows: "Early closure of nuclear power plants will not only trigger an increase in consumer costs, but will also lead to negative environmental impacts. Non-nuclear options will mean increases in carbon emissions and air pollutants, as well as requiring higher raw material consumption and greater land use. According to estimates in the report prepared by Compass Lexecon, which reveals the role of nuclear in 'a low-carbon Europe', between 2020-2050, to meet the energy needs that will arise due to early closure of existing nuclear plants in a way that also meets environmental targets, new solar and wind power plants would need to be built on 7 percent of total land use or on an additional 9,890 square kilometers of land. Germany is preparing to shut down nearly half of its nuclear capacity before year-end. European experts also note that this situation makes Europe's energy grids, which is experiencing one of the largest energy crises in its history, even more complex. Electricity prices across Europe are near record levels. Germany's need to rely on gas and coal-based electricity generation for an extended period to fill the base-load gap resulting from early closure of nuclear plants will lead to increased emissions. In light of these developments, the nuclear sector also faces important tasks. In this field, without ever compromising on nuclear safety, new and innovative technologies must emerge."

Akkuyu NGS will prevent 17 million tons of emissions annually

Ergün, noting that Turkey's emphasis on nuclear energy to achieve its 'carbon zero' target set for 2050 is the right strategy, said, "Akkuyu NGS will alone prevent an average of 17 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and will continue to serve as a clean energy source for at least 60 years. Plans to continue this first step taken with Akkuyu NGS with second and third plants in the coming period will play a major role in our country reaching its climate targets. Our country, which ratified the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change on 16 October, will join other countries in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change with Akkuyu NGS," he said. Built with Russian-designed 3+ generation VVER 1200 technology, Akkuyu NGS will consist of a total of 4 reactors and will meet approximately 10 percent of Turkey's electricity needs.   Source