Nuclear power is economically unviable compared to alternative energy sources
the verdict
CONTESTED
the evidence cuts both ways
confidence 21/100
The economic viability of nuclear power is contested, with some analyses indicating high capital costs and unfavorable comparisons to rapidly cheapening renewables, while other studies find nuclear power to be cost-competitive and economically viable depending on regional energy markets and discount rates.
Evidence for · 2
Evaluating nuclear power's suitability for climate change mitigation: technical risks, economic implications and incompatibility with renewable energy systems
2024 · cited by 20
Evaluates key arguments and highlights significant cost disparities showing nuclear power is more expensive than solar and wind.
Evidence against · 4
Nuclear Power Plant to Support Indonesia’s Net Zero Emissions: A Case Study of Small Modular Reactor Technology Selection Using Technology Readiness Level and Levelized Cost of Electricity Comparing Method
2023 · cited by 26
Finds that SMR levelized costs of electricity can be competitive with local alternatives such as coal and hydropower.
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More for · 1
The Economics of Nuclear Power
2022 · cited by 0
Notes that the cost of nuclear power has increased while renewables have become much cheaper, making nuclear multiple times more expensive.
More against · 3
Strategic priorities and cost considerations for decarbonizing electricity generation using CCS and nuclear energy
2024 · cited by 10
Shows that nuclear energy can be more cost-effective than natural gas power plants depending on gas price thresholds.
SELECTION OF LARGE-SCALE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT BASED ON ECONOMIC AND RELIABILITY ASPECTS IN INDONESIAN POWER SYSTEM
2021 · cited by 1
Demonstrates that large-scale nuclear power plants can achieve competitive levelized unit electricity costs in specific regional power systems.
Estimating the economic cost of setting up a nuclear power plant at Rooppur in Bangladesh.
2022 · cited by 0
Concludes that nuclear power is cost-competitive for baseload power generation compared to other local facilities in developing contexts.