Nuclear energy is low carbon and low emission, producing almost no greenhouse gases during operation ... 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.

Did you know that nuclear energy is actually one of the safest forms of electricity generation?

It’s understandable that many people question the safety of nuclear power when they are only familiar with Chernobyl and Fukushima. But did you know that nuclear energy is actually one of the safest forms of electricity generation? Per terawatt-hour of electricity produced, nuclear energy is just as safe as solar and wind power. And compared to fossil fuels? It's a game-changer! For example, for every terawatt-hour of electricity generated, nuclear energy results in only 0.03 deaths due to accidents or air pollution. Let's put that into perspective. Brown coal? It's a staggering 32.72 deaths per terawatt-hour. And gas? 2.82 deaths. So next time you hear concerns about nuclear safety, remember the facts. Nuclear energy is a key player in our clean energy future, providing safe, reliable power for generations to come!

There are several solutions to nuclear waste. One option is to recycle it. During the fission process, only about 3% of the uranium is used before the fuel has to be swapped out for fresh fuel. This means there is uranium that can be recovered from this spent fuel to make new fuel rods. France is a great example of this.

For nuclear fuel that can’t be recycled or for countries that don’t recycle fuel, direct disposal is another management strategy. With this method, used fuel is placed in robust canisters and then placed in tunnels underground and sealed with rocks and clay. Finland’s deep geological repository is near completion.

For countries that don’t have long-term direct disposal solutions or recycling infrastructure, spent fuel is stored in large above-ground silos at the power plant. These casks are robustly built, designed to contain radiation and eliminate the possibility of fission, and are able to withstand earthquakes, projectiles, tornadoes, floods, and other extreme scenarios.

Renewables like hydro, solar, and wind are crucial for reducing carbon emissions. But here's the thing: they can be a bit... intermittent. Meaning they don't produce power 24/7.

That's where nuclear power plants come in! They're like the steady backbone of our energy system, providing baseload power that runs continuously, rain or shine.

Current estimates suggest we can't achieve our climate goals without nuclear energy. To reach net zero by 2050, we need the reliability and low-carbon power that nuclear brings to the table.

So, when it comes to fighting climate change, let's not overlook the power of nuclear energy. It's a vital piece of the puzzle for a cleaner, greener future!