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

Testing the ECOSENS Methodology for Life Cycle Assessment of Different Energy Sources

Dec 10, 2024 | news

As part of ECOSENS WP2—focused on assessing the sustainability of the entire lifecycle of nuclear power—various participants have applied the ECOSENS methodology, which is based on the three pillars of sustainability: economic development, social development, and environmental protection. This methodology, as outlined in Deliverable 2.1, was used to evaluate the sustainability of nuclear energy and other energy sources across their entire life cycle.

The methodology incorporates sixty-two detailed indicators, presented in fiche documents that summarize the key data and considerations derived from a systematic review of official documents, scientific reports, research papers, and databases. The life cycle assessments were carried out by a diverse group of participants, including students, researchers, project partners, and ECOSENS stakeholders, who evaluated various energy sources, with a particular focus on nuclear energy.

The results of this comprehensive demonstration of the ECOSENS methodology, which includes stakeholder participation and lifecycle sustainability assessments for key energy technologies, will be detailed in the upcoming report, Deliverable 2.4. This report, which will also provide a focused assessment of nuclear power in comparison with the other technologies contributing to the energy transition, will soon be available on the project’s website.

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