Comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of China's nuclear and other power generation technologies

WANG Yanzhe; ZHOU Sheng; WANG Yu; QIN Xuying; CHEN Fubing; OU Xunmin

doi:10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2021.25.006

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Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology) ›› 2021, Vol. 61 ›› Issue (4) : 377-384. DOI: 10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2021.25.006

Research Article

Comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of China's nuclear and other power generation technologies

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Abstract

Nuclear power is a clean, low carbon technology that will help China achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, the radiological impacts are also the focus of public concern. This study used the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions per unit electricity generated by nuclear power and other power generation technologies. This study also estimated the air pollutants and radiological impacts based on a literature review with a comprehensive assessment of these environmental impacts. The results show that nuclear power and renewable energy generation can reduce CO₂ emissions per unit of electricity by more than 90% and greatly reduce air pollution. In addition, nuclear power has similar or lower radioactive impact on the public than coal power. Therefore, the government should strengthen public understanding and acceptance of nuclear power, formulate a long-term nuclear energy development strategy, and promote the clean, low-carbon transformation of the electric power system.

Key words

nuclear power / carbon neutrality / life cycle assessment (LCA) / low-carbon transformation

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WANG Yanzhe, ZHOU Sheng, WANG Yu, QIN Xuying, CHEN Fubing, OU Xunmin. Comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of China's nuclear and other power generation technologies[J]. Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology). 2021, 61(4): 377-384 https://doi.org/10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2021.25.006

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