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The Role of Nuclear Power in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Global Climate Change - The Technology Challenge

Part of the book series: Advances in Global Change Research ((AGLO,volume 38))

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Abstract

As this chapter will point out, nuclear energy is a low greenhouse gas emitter and is capable of providing large amounts of power using proven technology. In the immediate future, it can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction but only on a modest scale, replacing a portion of the electricity produced by coal fired power plants. While it has the potential to do more, there are significant resource issues that must be addressed if nuclear power is to play a larger role in replacing coal or natural gas as a source of electricity.

*The findings included in this chapter do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the Environmental Protection Agency. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute Agency endorsement or recommendation for use. †  © US Government 2011

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Notes

  1. 1.

    TWh  =  Terawatt-hours  =  billion kilowatt-hours

  2. 2.

    http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/reactors.htm

  3. 3.

    The difference in mass between hydrogen and its isotopes does cause the rates of reaction for chemical processes to differ. This difference is used to increase the concentration of deuterium to produce heavy water, which is rich in the isotope deuterium.

  4. 4.

    The use of heavy water enriched in the deuterium isotope shifts the burden of enrichment from enriching uranium to enriching water.

  5. 5.

    Bellafonte Units 1 and 2 were cancelled in 2006 by the owner Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). In August of 2008, TVA notified the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its interest in resuming construction on these units.

  6. 6.

    The analysis assumes that all reactors are seeking license renewal to operate for an additional twenty years beyond their original license period.

  7. 7.

    Each new reactor is assumed to be capable of producing 1,400 MWe at a capacity factor of 95%. Current designs proposed for constructions are rated from 1,200 MWe for the Westinghouse designed AP1000 to 1,500 MWe for the General Electric designed ESBWR.

  8. 8.

    London Interbank Offered Rate (or LIBOR); seehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LIBORfor a more detailed explanation

  9. 9.

    ITER was originally an acronym for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. But, the name was dropped due to the bad connotations of the “thermonuclear” in conjunction with “experimental”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, Anthony J Baratta, US Nuclear regulatory Commission, MS T3-F23, Washington, DC, 20555-0001, USA

    Anthony Baratta

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  1. Anthony Baratta
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Correspondence to Anthony Baratta .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), T.W. Alexander Drive 109, Research Triangle Park, 27709, North Carolina, USA

    Frank Princiotta

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Baratta, A. (2011). The Role of Nuclear Power in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. In: Princiotta, F. (eds) Global Climate Change - The Technology Challenge. Advances in Global Change Research, vol 38. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3153-2_4

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