The Security of Energy Supply and the Contribution of Nuclear Energy

There are geopolitical, economic and availability implications of a country relying on energy imports. The early s 'oil shocks' showed that fuel supplies from international sources could not be taken for granted. Today, much of the internationally-traded oil and gas comes from relatively few sources, and political instability there or in countries traversed by pipelines is a constant risk to supplies and hence a major economic vulnerability.

Coal supplies are more diverse geographically and less uncertain. Uranium is sourced from a still wider variety of countries geographically and politically, which gives it a very high rating in respect to energy security. It also comprises a very small part of the cost of power generation, so is a more affordable fuel to stockpile than fossil fuels. Member states should work more closely together on energy infrastructure to guarantee the security of supplies and better utilise fossil fuel resources in eastern EU states, particularly coal and shale gas, he said.

Bilateral energy contracts should be made transparent and contract templates, along with a role for the European Commission, should be introduced.

In the past seven years Poland had invested more than EUR 2 billion on gas storage and other infrastructure to diminish reliance on Russia. Uranium's low cost per unit of contained energy and its wide geographical and political availability do not remove all concerns regarding energy security. Some countries see the prospect of trade restrictions or transport disruptions affecting their security of supply, so seek to maximize not only indigenous sources of uranium and other fuels but also the transformation of uranium into reactor fuel — notably enrichment.

But because so little uranium is needed to produce a large amount of electricity, and a few years supply is easily stockpiled, it is sometimes considered to be effectively an indigenous energy source. Any country or power utility may see the need to stockpile reserves of fuel sufficient to endure a major political upheaval in a source country. If this is a large reserve supply there are obvious constraints in both paying for it and storing it securely. Most kinds of coal can be stored, but with over 3 million tonnes required annually for a MWe power plant, that storage has space, dust and visual implications.

Uranium can very readily be stored long-term, and with only about tonnes of natural uranium, or less than 30 tonnes of fabricated fuel, required per year for a MWe power plant, the advantage is obvious. Energy Security Updated April Since the 'oil shocks' of the early s, energy security has been a high priority in energy policy for many countries. With uncertain fuel prices it is also a factor for utilities in making investment decisions.

But the import side is the point here: Not shown in the Figure below, but also significant are: Phase-out policies have been pursued by certain West European coalition governments for reasons that are purely political and ideological. The political decisions involved have not been based on safety, environmental or economic arguments, and have been out of line with public opinion, according to poll results.

• The Hurricane Lords Concubine#1&2 (Angry Women Series).
• Nuclear in the energy mix;
• Garters (Small Town Swains);
• Energy Security - World Nuclear Association?
• Becoming a Food Scientist: To Graduate School and Beyond.
• Un amore più forte di me (Scrittori italiani e stranieri) (Italian Edition).

For the generation of bulk electricity, nuclear remains the only non-fossil energy source capable of expansion within Europe in the foreseeable future. The potential for expanding large-scale hydro is extremely limited, and nuclear fusion is still a long way off. Wind farms and solar can play a supporting role, but the amount of power these sources can provide is extremely low compared to nuclear. They are also dependent on changeable factors, such as wind strength and sunshine. This makes them unsuitable for baseload generation, the power needed round-the-clock, day and night.

Nuclear Power and Energy Security

Nuclear power plants, meanwhile, are an excellent source of baseload power. Europe is heavily dependent on the Middle East and Russia for its oil and gas supplies, and political instability in certain regions could lead, at any time, to supply shortages and price rises. On the other hand, the uranium used in nuclear fuel is available from various countries with a long history of political stability, including Australia and Canada. This has a stabilising effect on uranium prices and supply. Any rise in uranium prices would have only a minor impact on the cost of a nuclear kilowatt-hour, as fuel makes up a comparatively small part of the total cost of producing nuclear electricity.

Power plants that burn fossil fuels are more fuel-intensive; producers and consumers therefore face a much greater risk of increased costs due to higher fuel prices. Many existing nuclear power plants have already been paid for. Their operating costs are therefore low, and the electricity produced is among the cheapest in comparison with other sources. Cost projections show that new power reactors will also be competitive, even assuming low gas prices and heavy subsidies for wind power. More than 2 billion people world-wide have no access to electricity.

Introduction

World energy demand will continue to grow as populations increase and countries undergo industrial development and economic expansion. To meet these increasing demands, and to improve living standards for future generations, large increases in electricity generation will be necessary. Such increases must be achieved in a sustainable way that has the lowest possible environmental impact. However, nuclear may not be an ideal energy option in every part of the world, as certain regions have no power transmission network.

In addition, investment in nuclear may not be justified in areas where electricity demand is low.

Javascript Required!

In Europe alone, climate-friendly nuclear electricity saves the emission of about million tonnes of CO 2 a year. CO 2 emissions can be further avoided by building new power reactors, upgrading existing nuclear plants to increase output and by extending plant operating lifetimes.

All forms of energy, including nuclear, will be needed in the ongoing quest for sustainable development. Specific options aimed at long-term solutions should not be excluded because of short-term political pressures. Atmospheric pollution and CO 2 emissions will surge, if the reactors are replaced by power plants that burn fossil fuels. However, nuclear can contribute to creating a sustainable energy system and thereby to sustainable development. The cells involved would cover square kilometres, a surface equivalent to the whole of the Brussels urban area within the city's ring road.

Here, the equivalent would be a ten kilometre-wide coastal area stretching from the northernmost point in Denmark, right around France, to the north-west tip of Spain.

• Domestic Factors!
• Nuclear Power and Energy Security!
• 92. They Touched Heaven (The Pink Collection)?
• Monster On the Hill.
• How To Raise Up A Kid Or Two;
• EU Power shares 2007.

Nuclear Power Reactors in Europe. The nuclear industry in Europe is strictly regulated and enjoys an excellent safety record — something the plant owners and operators are determined to maintain. Safety is the industry's top priority. This safety record has been achieved by high standards applied to the design, maintenance, and operation of nuclear installations — power stations, nuclear fuel manufacturing and reprocessing plants and installations for the processing and storage of radioactive waste.

Research and development work has also played an important role in this area. The transport of radioactive materials is carried out under strict regulatory controls, and an excellent safety record has been maintained in this highly specialised field. The highest possible safety standards, covering all modes of transport, are enforced at all times, in accordance with internationally agreed requirements. Since the start of the nuclear industrial era some 40 years ago, there has never been a transport accident resulting in the injury or death of an individual as a result of the radioactive nature of the cargo.

1. Economics

Nor has there ever been any impact on public health or the environment. There are more than 10 million transports of radioactive material around the world each year. Most involve packages containing radioisotopes used in medicine, industry, agriculture or scientific research.