In an article from the Scotsman the value of produced energy is discussed. A rebuttal within the article outlines the costs of nuclear energy production.
From the Scotsman article – “Calculations by the International Atomic Energy Agency show the energy consumed in the construction of a nuclear power plant varies between 1.7 and 9.5 (average 4.35) per cent of that produced over its life cycle. This compares with hydro (2 per cent), coal (5.5 per cent), wind (9 per cent), solar (16.5 per cent) and liquefied natural gas (17 per cent). Consequently, it is not true, as Mr Elliot claims, that “at some stage within the lifetime of global new nuclear build, producing electricity from that source will require more energy than will be generated”
Nuclear energy is a clean energy. A survey was conducted by the Nuclear Energy Institute recently to ascertain the level of support for nuclear energy. The results indicated that the level of support is at a historical high.
From the report – “Seventy percent of Americans favor nuclear energy, with the number of Americans voicing strong support exceeding those strongly opposed by a margin of more than two to one, according to a nationwide survey conducted in mid-March.”
The Italian and French governments have signed an agreement that will lead toward the development of nuclear energy in Italy. “In the framework of the Italian-French Protocol of Understanding for energy cooperation, Enel CEO Fulvio Conti and EDF Chairman Pierre Gadonneix signed two Memoranda of Understanding to study the feasibility of constructing at least four EPR advanced third generation units to be built in Italy and to extend Enel’s participation in the French nuclear programme, beginning with the recently authorised Penly reactor.”
Nuclear energy is bound to be part of the future energy mix and is evidenced by the changing attitude in Sweden today, as reported by the International Herald Tribune. Similarly, Great Britain is expected to expand nuclear power generation capacity.
More details about nuclear power in Sweden can be found at the World Nuclear Association. A similar report is available for China.
