A new report by Compass Lexecon, published on Thursday 10 October for nucleareurope, the trade association representing Europe’s nuclear energy industry, highlights the benefits of expanding nuclear power on the continent, comparing different scenarios for installed nuclear capacity in 2050: 100, 150 and 200 GW.
By following the second scenario of 150 GW, Europe could, according to the analysis, reduce its CO2 emissions by 430 million tonnes, save €310 billion in energy costs and reduce its gas consumption by 180 billion cubic metres, while reducing its dependence on hydrogen imports by 33%.
According to Yves Desbazeille, Director General of nucleareurope, nuclear power can contribute to the EU’s ‘net zero’ objectives “by ensuring a credible, secure and cost-efficient decarbonised energy mix whilst at the same time avoiding the lock-in of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions”.
The report also highlights the growing need for electricity, with a much greater demand for flexibility due to the increase in renewable energy sources.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are also considered promising for the heat energy market in the medium to long term.
To see the report: https://aeur.eu/f/du1 (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)