Geopolitical Challenges of Utilizing Nuclear Power as the Foundation for Achieving Global Non-Carbon Energy Goals

Abstract

Fossil fuel power plants remain the largest source of global electric generation, accounting for over 60% of worldwide power. Achieving a zero carbon electric infrastructure requires replacing fossil fuel plants with a similar dependable non-carbon alternative capable of maintaining electrical generation regardless of weather or time of day. Nuclear power provides a non-carbon alternative to fossil fuel generation but a lack of well-defined geopolitical policy has limited the international growth of nuclear generation. Each component of the nuclear energy value chain is interconnected as reducing the cost of a nuclear plant will be difficult without improved supply chain technology and enhanced public perception of nuclear power becomes a key component for increasing global funding in support of nuclear plant construction. Fossil fuels have historically defined international energy policy and are the basis for a majority of academic policy discussions. Academic research on non-carbon generation tends to focus on renewables such as wind and solar with limited discussions regarding the policy implications of expanding the nuclear power fleet. As our climate crisis grows and more governments move toward embracing non-carbon power options, policy makers must become proactive in defining international energy policy which includes support for nuclear power as the option for replacing fossil fuel based generation.