The Energy Utilization Efficiency of Nuclear Power Compared with Other Alternatives

Abstract

This paper summarizes a research project carried out by W. L. Wardrop & Associates Ltd. in association with Sproule Associates Ltd. and SNC Tottrup Services Ltd. for the Canadian Electrical Association. The paper compares the net energy utilization efficiency of alternative energy supply and use systems for heating buildings in five locations across Canada. The systems considered include electrical resistance heating, both with and without heat pumps, with the electrical energy being supplied by nuclear, hydroelectric, coal fired and oil-fired generating stations, as well as the direct combustion of oil, natural gas and synthetic natural gas in building heaters. Five user locations are considered: Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Saint John. The comparison indicates that the nuclear energy systems are less energy-efficient than most other alternatives considered. Ways of improving the efficiency of the nuclear systems are mined and a discussion is presented on why a low energy utilization efficiency does not necessarily make nuclear power an unattractive energy source.