Title: Nuclear power: irreplaceable before and after Fukushima

Authors: Palapan Kampan; Adam R. Tanielian

Addresses: National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Bangkok, Thailand ' National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Bangkok, Thailand; King Faisal University, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This paper analyses nuclear safety, monetary and energy economics of the nuclear power industry. We review and analyse economic, scientific, political, and regulatory environments in the broader energy sector. Competing economic and environmental interests are found as the world tries to deal with climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. From cradle to grave, nuclear power is found to be safer and less carbon intensive than coal and gas. The longest-term outlook is still uncertain, but nuclear power is found to be more sustainable than fossil fuel energy. Increased technological R&D spending, government subsidies, and international cooperation to on safety compliance are suggested to spur growth in nuclear power as a replacement for coal.

Keywords: nuclear power; non-proliferation; climate change; renewable energy; nuclear energy; nuclear safety; monetary economics; energy economics; nuclear economics; carbon intensive; carbon emissions; greenhouse gases; GHG emissions; sustainable development; sustainability; sustainable energy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2016.079370

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2016 Vol.39 No.6, pp.394 - 412

Accepted: 16 Mar 2016
Published online: 27 Sep 2016 *

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