Nuclear energy was first developed in the 1940s and was particularly used for the production of atomic bombs. Today, it provides around 9% of global electricity in total and is one of the biggest sources of low-carbon power. Its role in providing clean energy around the world means we have seen a significant rise in its use throughout the last few years. However, the generation of such energy does not come without its challenges – is nuclear energy powering our future, or will its potency be short-lived?
The Growth of Nuclear Energy and its Importance for Clean Energy
Very recently, we have seen a resurgence in nuclear energy generation throughout the globe, driven by nations such as the United Kingdom (UK), France, and China. This is not only due to an international drive to meet urgent climate aims, but also to secure reliable low-carbon energy sources. The Net-Zero targets of the 2015 Paris Agreement encouraged many nations to look beyond finite and destructive resources (such as fossil fuels) and potentially unreliable resources (such as renewables), to provide large-scale power without further harming the environment.
Nuclear energy is known for its reliability – the electricity generation process is carbon-free, the power plants operate 24/7, and only a small amount of material is needed to generate a substantial amount of electricity. Coupled with recent geopolitical tensions over spikes in natural gas prices, the value of nuclear energy has certainly risen exponentially. This support was made particularly evident at COP28 in Dubai, also known as the ‘Nuclear COP’.
Projects such as the UK’s Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station in the UK in over 30 years, symbolise a resurgence in nuclear energy. It aims to power 6 million British homes and to provide thousands of jobs and apprentice positions. Financed by both EDF Energy and China General Nuclear Power Group, it reflects a step in the right direction for global commitment to clean energy. As well as large-scale projects, the rapid development of Small Modular Reactors(SMRs) is playing a key role in today’s growth of nuclear power.
Ranging in size and capabilities, these advanced SMRs have small physical footprints and can be planted in more convenient locations than bigger nuclear power plants. Considering this added flexibility to the nuclear power industry, it becomes easier to understand why we are living in a ‘nuclear boom’ era.
With such seemingly numerous benefits, why then, is nuclear energy generation still approached with caution today?
The Limitations of Nuclear Energy
With such large-scale energy generation comes a variety of challenges. Despite the carbon-free operation, there are significant environmental impacts tied to the construction of these large projects and even more wariness about the disposal of radioactive waste. Past accidents such as Chornobyl and the Fukushima Disaster serve as a reminder of not only the danger of the waste itself but also of developing energy into nuclear weaponry.
These projects also require significant time and effort, and construction work is fuelled by billions of pounds in investment. There are, admittedly, cheaper methods of clean energy generation, such as solar and onshore wind power. The rising challenge of undertaking such large projects will certainly result in regulatory and financial obstacles, which law firms will have to increasingly advise on. In Europe in particular, the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive means that nuclear power projects face intense scrutiny and assessments from the very beginning, which can slow down the entire process.
Together, these disadvantages result in long and complex construction operations, as well as backlash from citizens and previously affected communities.
Conclusion
With all its benefits and drawbacks, it is no surprise that nuclear power remains one of the more divisive topics within the clean energy debate. It is one of the most time-consuming and expensive energy forms and requires significant legal and regulatory navigation. However, it can also provide an answer to our current climate crisis due to its consistent energy generation. It solely depends on how we wish to meet emissions reduction targets, and if such legal and technical risks are worth taking on in order to combat the fossil fuel goliaths that are currently wreaking havoc on our planet.
Definitions;
Nuclear Energy; In simplified terms, nuclear energy is produced through either the fusion or fission of uranium atoms. A large amount of energy is released in the form of heat and radiation when this occurs. This is then used to heat water into steam, which can be converted into electrical current.
SMRs; Advanced nuclear reactors that have a smaller power capacity than traditional nuclear power plants, but are designed to be lightweight and more flexible in their electricity generation.
References and Further Reading;
“Hinkley Point C Woes Threaten to Break UK and France’s Nuclear Fusion” (The Guardian)
“Nuclear Power in the World Today” (World Nuclear Association)
“Nuclear Energy Seeing a Resurgence Unlike any Other” (Power)
“New Skills, Better Jobs: Report Reveals the Positive Impact of Hinkley Point C” (EDF Energy)
“The Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy” (Earth.org)
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