Steadily produced nuclear power has a small carbon footprint

Those who oppose nuclear power from a sustainability perspective generally acknowledge that the carbon footprint of a nuclear power plant during operation is low. However, attention is then often shifted to other stages of the nuclear lifecycle, such as the fuel chain and decommissioning.

Very low lifecycle emissions

Fortunately, assessing environmental impacts does not have to rely on perceptions or assumptions. Today, we have standardised scientific methods that make it possible to calculate the carbon footprint of energy production across its entire lifecycle. In March this year, such a lifecycle assessment was completed for our Loviisa power plant.

According to the assessment, the carbon footprint of electricity produced at the Loviisa nuclear power plant is 6.08 g CO₂e/kWh. This figure demonstrates that the lifecycle emissions of nuclear electricity generated at Loviisa are extremely low. They are on a par with the lifecycle emissions of wind power and, on average, even lower than those of hydro and solar power (Source: UNECE 2022). The results provide further evidence of the low carbon nature of nuclear energy and show that the Loviisa power plant makes a significant contribution to climate change mitigation and to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The lifecycle analysis covers the entire carbon footprint of electricity delivered from the Loviisa power plant to customers. The calculation follows a “cradle to grave” approach: it begins with the construction of the plant and ends with its full decommissioning, including emissions from both upstream and downstream activities. All stages of production are taken into account, such as uranium mining, plant construction and dismantling, electricity generation, radioactive waste disposal, and even the construction and dismantling of the electricity grid. This is therefore very different from the specific emission factor of electricity, which only reflects emissions from the production phase.

Technology neutrality benefits everyone

Fortunately, the position of nuclear power within the European energy mix has improved over the past couple of years. Lifetime extensions for existing nuclear power plants and new nuclear projects are underway in several countries. At EU level, joint efforts are also being made to advance the development of small modular reactors. The role of nuclear power as a stable form of energy production that strengthens Europe’s energy self sufficiency is now better recognised.

Scientific reports on the rapidly advancing climate change deliver a stark message. For us as electricity producers, this means that we must work even harder to deliver low emission solutions. Hopefully, going forward, we will be able to act across Europe in a way that preserves proven, reliable low carbon technologies. All low carbon electricity generation is needed, and each technology has its own role to play in an increasingly electrified Europe.

The lifecycle assessment of the Loviisa power plant was conducted in accordance with LCA standards by Etteplan Oy, and the critical review was carried out by AFRY Finland Oy. Loviisa nuclear power plant lifecycle assessment (LCA): Summary of findings.