CANDU Reactors and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

It is sometimes stated that nuclear power plants can supply electricity with zero emissions of greenhouse gases. In fact, consideration of the entire fuel cycle indicates that some greenhouse gases are generated during their construction and decommissioning and by the preparation of fuel and other materials required for their operation. This follows from the use of fossil fuels in the preparation of materials and during the construction and decommissioning of the plants. This paper reviews some complete life cycle studies of power plants. Greenhouse gases generated by fossil fuels during the preparation of fuel and heavy water used by operating CANDU power plants is estimated. We conclude that greenhouse gas emission from this activity, per unit of electricity ultimately produced, is very small in comparison with emissions from power plants completely dependent on fossil fuel as an energy source. Nuclear power plants can thus greatly extend the energy supplies which can be derived from fossil fuel supplies while reducing greenhouse gas output.