Full Title: The Uncertain Costs of New Nuclear Reactors: What Study Estimates Reveal about the Potential for Nuclear in a Decarbonizing World
Author(s): Matt Bowen, Emeka Ochu, and James Glynn
Publisher(s): Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA
Publication Date: December 7, 2023
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Despite nuclear energy playing a significant role in most decarbonization scenarios, the source’s projected level of deployment, remains uncertain, largely due to a wide range of estimated costs for new builds. This report examines the economics of new nuclear facilities for electricity generation- whether building them out makes sense financially as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as power demand grows across the globe. Insights into costs can be gleaned by reviewing the history of construction delays and cost overruns in the United States, international experiences that have fared better and worse, and studies that model a transitioning energy system.