Current perspectives on nuclear energy as a global climate change mitigation option

Abstract

The primary source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are fossil fuels with about 66% share of global electricity generation. Despite the challenges it faces today, nuclear energy is considered an effective technology that can be used in mitigating climate change with specific characteristics that underpin the commitment of some countries to maintain it as a future option. Several studies show the effects of investment minimization policies and the replacement of nuclear power plants with renewables. This implies economic impacts on the price of electricity, which increases the use of fossil fuels resulting in health problems related to air pollution and increasing costs to reduce the carbon emitted in the world. This paper addresses a systematic review of the prospects for nuclear energy investments adopted by countries as a strategic option to mitigate climate change and quantifies a range of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission values that can be avoided using as reference the emission factor of power plants at coal.