The Potential Role of Nuclear Energy in National Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Final Report of a Coordinated Research Project

Nuclear energy is a key low-carbon technology for climate change mitigation, and the IAEA initiated a research project to assess its potential role in national strategies. This publication presents the findings of the project, which demonstrate a wide array of possibilities for rigorous quantitative analyses and scientific advice on the linkages between nuclear energy and climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: IAEA

Nuclear energy is widely recognized as a vital tool in the fight against climate change, offering a low-carbon solution to achieve ambitious mitigation goals. In the wake of the Paris Agreement, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched a comprehensive research project (CRP) to assist Member States in evaluating the potential contribution of nuclear energy to their national climate and energy strategies. This publication, compiled by a team of research experts from twelve countries grappling with diverse energy, development, and climate challenges, presents the findings of the CRP. It highlights the methodological approaches employed, analytical results, and policy insights derived from the collaborative efforts of these research teams.

The publication showcases a diverse range of possibilities for conducting rigorous quantitative analyses and providing scientific advice to policymakers on the intricate relationships between nuclear energy and climate change. It is anticipated that the methods and findings presented herein will stimulate further in-depth studies on this critical topic.

The CRP's findings underscore the importance of considering nuclear energy as part of a comprehensive climate change mitigation strategy. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that takes into account factors such as energy security, greenhouse gas emissions, and the long-term sustainability of energy systems. The research highlights the potential role of nuclear energy in reducing carbon emissions, particularly in the context of electricity generation, where it can provide a reliable and baseload source of power.

Furthermore, the CRP emphasizes the importance of transparent and inclusive decision-making processes in the integration of nuclear energy into national climate and energy strategies. It suggests that policymakers should engage stakeholders, including civil society, academia, and the private sector, to ensure that the benefits and risks of nuclear energy are fully understood and addressed.

In conclusion, this publication provides valuable insights into the potential role of nuclear energy in achieving ambitious climate change mitigation goals. It highlights the need for a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach that considers the diverse energy, development, and climate challenges faced by countries. By leveraging the expertise and resources of research teams from around the world, the CRP has contributed to a better understanding of the complex relationships between nuclear energy and climate change, and has paved the way for informed policy decisions in this critical area.

Weight: 345g
Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789201356215