Challenges on combating climate changes with nuclear energy
During the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris last year, nuclear energy was considered as the large-scale source of low carbon electricity that scalable to achieve the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to below 2°C. However, there were no specific mitigation measures or energy technologies mentioned there.
On the March 24th, 2016, the second day of SETA 2016 in Thailand, Kazuaki Matsui, Senior Fellow, the Institute of Applied Energy, Japan Nuclear Development Committee Chair of OECD/NEA presented the measures and key actions needed for effective nuclear development.
Nuclear power is indispensable to achieve the generally agreed target of limiting the rise in global mean temperatures to 2°C (450 ppm) in 2100. The electric power sector, which emits 40% of carbon emissions of the global energy sector, will thus need to be virtually decarbonised by 2050. In its 2°C scenario, the IEA assumes the share of nuclear energy in global electricity production to rise from 11% in 2014 to 17% by 2050.
The electricity sector all over the world must face massive structural change and nuclear, hydro and renewables will have to bear the brunt of electricity generation by 2050. Together with additional hydro resources in short supply, nuclear power is an indispensable part of future low-carbon electricity systems. Nuclear is cheaper than coal or gas and Uranium fuel is plentiful and widely distributed as energy resource. Its benefits in terms of local environmental impacts such as air quality and security of energy supply also changes public attitudes among those most concerned about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
In next ten years, Mr Matsui said we need to offer same level and fair playing field to all low carbon technologies, enhance standardization, harmonize codes and standards and regulatory requirements, develop long-term strategy for radioactive waste management and continue to share information & experience to improve safety.
Public acceptance must be strengthened as it is one of the most concerning reason that put nuclear power in question, he concluded.
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