1 Dec (NucNet): The UK should reduce national emissions by at least 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050 with a reliance on greater use of low-carbon electricity generating technology including nuclear, according to a new report published today.

The independent Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said it was not its role �to recommend a particular balance between different technologies�. But the committee indicated that nuclear should be at the heart of the UK�s future energy mix.

�Nuclear power is cost competitive with conventional fossil fuel generation. This is true even when decommissioning costs and possible fuel price increases due to increased uranium demand are allowed for,� said the CCC in its first formal report*: �Building a low-carbon economy � the UK�s contribution to tackling climate change�.

The CCC�s report formalises recommendations first presented to the government in October 2008 and included in the UK�s Climate Change Act, which came into law towards the end of last month.

The CCC recommends UK carbon budgets for three periods: 2008-12, 2013-17 and 2018-22. The CCC�s report said: �Analysis suggests that nuclear new build is justified on economic grounds in the first three budget periods. If the feasible pace of deployment of wind power is less than currently envisaged in the government�s draft renewable energy strategy, and if concerns about waste storage can be addressed, nuclear power deployment should be accelerated to fill this gap.�

Power sector emissions reductions of 40 per cent below 1990 levels are �realistically achievable by 2020�, the CCC said. �These emissions reductions would result if renewable generation can be increased to 30 per cent of the total? Alternatively, a slightly lower level of renewables with some nuclear new build would deliver the same emissions reduction of around 50 million tonnes (Mt) CO2 in 2020. In either scenario, average carbon intensity would fall by 2020 in line with what is required on the longer term path to full decarbonisation by 2050.�

The CCC said more than 18,000 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity is produced globally each year, emitting around 11 gigatonnes CO2. �The UK currently generates close to 400 TWh of electricity per annum, with associated emissions of 183 Mt of CO2 in 2006.� Around 70 per cent of these emissions derive from coal generation while nuclear and renewable related emissions are �trivial�.

To contain the threat of climate change from CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, the world needs to cut emissions by about 50 per cent by 2050, the CCC said. In terms of the UK, an 80 per cent reduction in emissions below 1990 levels by 2050 �is possible without sacrificing the benefits of economic growth and rising prosperity?. The challenge is not the technical feasibility of a low-carbon economy but making it happen,� the CCC added.

*The CCC will monitor and report back to parliament on progress made in meeting the carbon budgets and in reducing emissions generally. The report can be downloaded from the CCC�s web site (http://www.theccc.org.uk).

� by John Shepherd


>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)

UK Confirms Plans For 80% Cut In Emissions By 2050 (World Nuclear Review No. 40, 17 October 2008)

The NucNet database currently contains around 12,000 reports published since 1991. To subscribe or ask for any further information email info@worldnuclear.org

Source: NucNet

Editor: editors@worldnuclear.org