popular articles

USA: Closing nuclear power plants, a risk according to MIT

Closing all nuclear power plants in the U.S. would result in a significant increase in emissions from coal and other fuels. Economic impacts were also assessed, with researchers estimating that this would result in annual costs of between $50.4 billion and $220.2 billion.

Please share:

A recent analysis by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of California-Davis found that closing all nuclear power plants in the United States would result in a significant increase in emissions from coal and other generating fuels. This would lead to thousands of additional deaths. The researchers used an energy allocation model of the U.S. electricity sector to quantify the increase in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide emissions if all of the nation’s nuclear generation were to be permanently shut down.

The health consequences of air pollution related to nuclear power plant closures

The study, published in the scientific journal Nature Energy, identifies regions with a high risk of increased emissions due to a global response to closures, even though not all nuclear power plants will realistically be closed at the same time. The researchers fed the model with available data on the evolution of emissions and energy costs for each plant for an entire year and ran the model in different scenarios. Notably a nuclear-free energy grid, a baseline grid similar to today’s that includes nuclear power, and a nuclear-free grid that also incorporates the additional renewable sources expected to be added by 2030.

The analysis concluded that increased air pollution would have serious health effects, resulting in 5,200 additional pollution-related deaths in a single year. If greater amounts of renewable energy are integrated into the grid, as projected by 2030, air pollution would be reduced, although not entirely, still resulting in 260 additional deaths per year. The researchers noted that black or African-American communities, a disproportionate number of which live near fossil fuel plants, were most exposed to the additional emissions.

Nuclear energy: a clean and reliable source of energy

The economic impacts of a U.S. nuclear phase-out were also assessed, with researchers estimating that it would result in annual costs of between $50.4 billion and $220.2 billion. The potential economic impacts due to climate and health impacts of a U.S. nuclear phase-out were also assessed, with the authors estimating that it could result in 80,000 to 160,000 additional deaths over 100 years due to increased carbon dioxide emissions as the grid compensates for the lack of nuclear power.

Nuclear power is a clean, reliable source of carbon-free energy that saves the atmosphere more than 470 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise be produced by fossil fuels. By keeping existing nuclear plants online and deploying the next generation of reactors, the United States can help ensure that its nation meets its decarbonization goals while protecting the health of its communities.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The International Atomic Energy Agency has begun an assessment visit to the Rooppur nuclear power plant, Bangladesh’s first facility, 90% financed by Russia. The inspection focuses on site safety ahead of the scheduled fuel loading in 2025.
Orano has secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank to finance the expansion of its Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant at Tricastin, aiming to increase its capacity by 30% by 2028.
Orano has secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank to finance the expansion of its Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant at Tricastin, aiming to increase its capacity by 30% by 2028.
Framatome reaches a key milestone as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepts to review its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of nuclear power plants in the United States.
Framatome reaches a key milestone as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepts to review its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of nuclear power plants in the United States.
On March 7, approximately 100 cubic metres of radioactive coolant leaked into the containment rooms of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor in Finland. The incident, caused by human error during maintenance work, did not compromise nuclear safety.
On March 7, approximately 100 cubic metres of radioactive coolant leaked into the containment rooms of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor in Finland. The incident, caused by human error during maintenance work, did not compromise nuclear safety.
Jordan is developing its uranium industry with a feasibility study aimed at securing funding. A strategic partnership with a Kazakh company supports this initiative as the country seeks to exploit its resources locally.
Spain remains committed to its strategy of shutting down nuclear power plants by 2035, despite growing pressure from economic and political actors advocating for an extension, citing energy and economic concerns.
Spain remains committed to its strategy of shutting down nuclear power plants by 2035, despite growing pressure from economic and political actors advocating for an extension, citing energy and economic concerns.
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor will remain shut down until March 30 due to a series of unexpected technical interventions. These operations, which began on February 15, aim to optimise its performance before reaching full power.
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor will remain shut down until March 30 due to a series of unexpected technical interventions. These operations, which began on February 15, aim to optimise its performance before reaching full power.
Canada announces a major investment to modernize CANDU technology, with a $304 million loan to AtkinsRéalis for the development of a large-scale nuclear reactor, thereby strengthening national energy capacity.
Canada announces a major investment to modernize CANDU technology, with a $304 million loan to AtkinsRéalis for the development of a large-scale nuclear reactor, thereby strengthening national energy capacity.
French group Orano has signed an agreement with Energoatom to provide uranium enrichment services until 2040. This collaboration aims to reduce Ukraine's reliance on Rosatom, the Russian nuclear giant.
Russia and Myanmar have signed an agreement for the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar. The project aims to provide affordable energy for Myanmar’s economy while strengthening bilateral relations.
Russia and Myanmar have signed an agreement for the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar. The project aims to provide affordable energy for Myanmar’s economy while strengthening bilateral relations.
Eskom has suspended operations at unit 2 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in South Africa following an incident during maintenance work. This decision comes amidst the country's complex energy capacity management.
Eskom has suspended operations at unit 2 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in South Africa following an incident during maintenance work. This decision comes amidst the country's complex energy capacity management.
Romania plans to double its nuclear capacity by building two new CANDU reactors at Cernavodă. These units, expected to be operational in 2030 and 2031, should increase nuclear energy's share to 30% of the country's total electricity production.
Romania plans to double its nuclear capacity by building two new CANDU reactors at Cernavodă. These units, expected to be operational in 2030 and 2031, should increase nuclear energy's share to 30% of the country's total electricity production.
Moltex Energy has introduced an innovative nuclear waste management solution that transforms used nuclear fuel into clean energy while significantly reducing waste volumes. This technology opens up new economic and security opportunities for the industry.
Siemens Energy has signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to supply equipment for its modular nuclear reactors. The deal, which could be finalised by the end of 2025, includes steam turbines and generators.
Siemens Energy has signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to supply equipment for its modular nuclear reactors. The deal, which could be finalised by the end of 2025, includes steam turbines and generators.
After decades of resistance, Italy reopens the debate on nuclear energy to address its energy challenges. Giorgia Meloni’s government proposes a reactivation, but many obstacles remain.
After decades of resistance, Italy reopens the debate on nuclear energy to address its energy challenges. Giorgia Meloni’s government proposes a reactivation, but many obstacles remain.
Kärnfull Next announced that it will conduct feasibility studies for the installation of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the municipality of Karlshamn, in Blekinge County, Sweden, as part of its Re:Firm South programme.
Kärnfull Next announced that it will conduct feasibility studies for the installation of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the municipality of Karlshamn, in Blekinge County, Sweden, as part of its Re:Firm South programme.
Eleven European countries urge the European Commission to include nuclear energy in the Affordable Energy Action Plan, aimed at reducing energy costs and enhancing the continent's energy security.
The South Korean government has finalized its 11th Basic Power Supply and Demand Plan, which includes the construction of two additional nuclear reactors and a small modular reactor by 2038 to support industrial growth and strengthen energy security.
The South Korean government has finalized its 11th Basic Power Supply and Demand Plan, which includes the construction of two additional nuclear reactors and a small modular reactor by 2038 to support industrial growth and strengthen energy security.
The European Commission has approved state aid granted by Belgium to Engie and EDF subsidiaries to extend the operation of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors by ten years. This decision comes amid an energy crisis and geopolitical uncertainties.
The European Commission has approved state aid granted by Belgium to Engie and EDF subsidiaries to extend the operation of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors by ten years. This decision comes amid an energy crisis and geopolitical uncertainties.
The full assessment of costs and timeline for the construction of six EPR2 reactors by EDF has been delayed by several months, according to a source close to the electricity provider.
The full assessment of costs and timeline for the construction of six EPR2 reactors by EDF has been delayed by several months, according to a source close to the electricity provider.
The Orano group faces a difficult restart of its mining operations in Niger after losing control of its subsidiaries. The restart of the Somaïr mine could take nearly two years due to political tensions with the local junta.
Canadian Nexus Team Ventures announces a strategic investment in Impact Uranium Group, further solidifying its position in the uranium sector, particularly in the Athabasca Basin, one of the world’s richest uranium deposits.
Canadian Nexus Team Ventures announces a strategic investment in Impact Uranium Group, further solidifying its position in the uranium sector, particularly in the Athabasca Basin, one of the world’s richest uranium deposits.
The Russian public company Rosatom begins talks with Egypt to explore joint projects in quantum technology, with concrete proposals in several high-tech sectors.
The Russian public company Rosatom begins talks with Egypt to explore joint projects in quantum technology, with concrete proposals in several high-tech sectors.
Kärnfull Next has secured land rights for its small modular reactor (SMR) project in Valdemarsvik, southeastern Sweden. This milestone marks a key step towards nuclear power generation in the region.
Kärnfull Next has secured land rights for its small modular reactor (SMR) project in Valdemarsvik, southeastern Sweden. This milestone marks a key step towards nuclear power generation in the region.

Advertising