One study calculated that a kilowatt hour of nuclear-generated electricity has a carbon footprint of 4 grams of CO2 equivalent, compared to 4 grams for wind and 6 grams for solar energy - versus 109 grams for coal, even with carbon capture and storage. And despite their fossil fuel consumption, their carbon footprints are almost as low as those of renewable energy. The energy to mine and refine the uranium that fuels nuclear power and manufacture the concrete and metal to build nuclear power plants is usually supplied by fossil fuels, resulting in CO2 emissions however, nuclear plants do not emit any CO2 or air pollution as they operate. Nuclear power is the second largest source of clean energy after hydropower. What is the current state of nuclear energy in the U.S., and what role could it play in a decarbonized future? Nuclear energy’s role in fighting climate change
Biden’s $2 trillion climate plan, recognizing this urgency, includes support for the development of nuclear energy. Every pathway the IPCC envisioned to achieve this goal requires an increase in nuclear energy-of 59 to 106 percent more than 2010 levels by 2030. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that we must keep the planet from warming more than 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels by 2030.
President-elect Joe Biden comes into office at a time when phasing out fossil fuels is critical.
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