1. Why is nuclear energy important?

The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation is the major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. As greenhouse gases continue to warm the planet, we need as many low-emission energy sources as possible.

Low carbon: Nuclear energy is low carbon. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, nuclear energy has a median life cycle emission of 5.1 g of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour, which is comparable to wind (7.8 g) and lower than solar (23 g) (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, 2022). It has helped avert 2 million air pollution-related deaths (Kharecha, 2013).

For over 50 years, it has avoided emitting 70 gigatons of CO2 emissions, or the equivalent of 700,000 fully loaded U.S. aircraft carriers. Zero carbon at point of generation, IPCC consider it to be comparable to have carbon intensity of wind generation c.12g/kWh and lower than solar. Supply chain emissions can overtime be reduced further via increased electrification - Swedish plants have nuclear plants producing at ISO certified 4g/kWh. Long term operation increases “return on carbon investment” of construction steel, concrete etc, plants running 50 to 100% longer.