Long-term operation of nuclear power plants can be the lowest-cost option for generating electricity, the WNA said. More governments must introduce policies to support the long-term operation (LTO) of nuclear plants with market reforms brought in to value the “non-power” benefits of nuclear alongside other clean energy technologies, the London-based World Nuclear Association said.

In a position paper published on 30 June, the WNA said even where other options are cheaper and market conditions are challenging, nuclear plants offer many benefits beyond just electricity.

Those benefits include a low-carbon lifecycle, baseload power and increased resilience, grid stability and the stockpiling of fuel, which boosts security of energy supply.

The position paper said nuclear has a small land and resource footprint compared to other energy sources, avoids pollution such as nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides, heavy metals and particulate matter.

Nuclear is a major employer in non-urban areas, supporting skilled hi-tech jobs and local economic activity, the paper said. It can provide isotopes and support for research, medicine, industry and agriculture, and can enable decarbonisation of the heat, industry and transport sectors.

• European Union
• International Energy Agency
• Particulates

Source: Nucnet

Date: Wednesday, 01 July 2020

Original article: nucnet.org/news/position-paper-calls-for-policies-to-support-lto-of-nuclear-plants-6-2-2020

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