Analysis of Nuclear Based Electric Power Generation System – AN LCA Approach

Abstract

In a developing country like India with scarce hydrocarbon reserves and also due to variable nature of Renewables in terms of potential, penetration and technology, Coal must be relied upon as a source of energy in near future also, to meet the ever-growing demand for an instant form of energy i.e. Electricity. An alternative to not so clean source Coal appears to be Nuclear Power and this option can supplement and supplant our energy needs despite several concerns from various sources post-Fukushima Nuclear accident. This paper carries out a detailed LCA study of Nuclear based Electric Power Generation System with a wider scope that encompasses the waste disposal and spent fuel reprocessing phases, is modelled and run on SimaPro 9.0.0.48 LCA software with ECOINVENT 3.0 as database. This study also covers the all-important Inventory Analysis for the inputs used, raw material extracted and residuals consequently released to the environment. The results are expressed in terms of pre-defined energy metrics such as ERR and EPBT. Further, the study covers the environmental impact assessment category such as GWP and finally the results are presented with a kWh of electricity produced by this option as a functional unit. These investigations help energy planners and policymakers to compare various power generating options and justify the alternatives to meet future demand for electricity in a cleaner and more sustainable manner by keeping the spirit of Paris Climate Agreement in mind.