Economic and Social Considerations for the Future of Nuclear Energy in Society

Constantin M. et al. (2024) Investigation on the sustainability of the entire life cycle of nuclear power, ECOSENS Deliverable 2.4, has been updated (Jan. 2025). It evaluates the lifecycle sustainability of nuclear power alongside key energy technologies like wind, solar, hydropower, and natural gas, emphasizing their roles in the energy transition within the EU’s sustainability framework. By employing 62 indicators spanning environmental, economic, and social dimensions, it highlights each technology’s strengths and weaknesses while incorporating stakeholder participation to enhance decision-making. Results reveal nuclear power’s strong performance in emissions reduction and energy security but note challenges like high costs and public perception issues.
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