Would widespread adoption of third-generation nuclear power HPR1000 enhance the mitigation of net greenhouse gas emissions?

Summary: Amid the rapid deployment of third-generation nuclear power, our understanding of its actual contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions remains limited. In a case study focused on China’s mainstream third-generation nuclear power technology, HPR1000, we constructed a life cycle carbon accounting framework for nuclear power plants (LCCA-NPP). Our analysis encompassed the entire life cycle of HPR1000, including construction, operation, and decommissioning. The total life cycle GHG emissions for HPR1000 range from 10.66 to 11.19 Tg CO2e, with the carbon emission intensity of 10.03–10.54 g CO2e/kWh. As China advances toward its carbon neutrality objective, the contribution of nuclear power in offsetting carbon emissions from fossil fuels is projected to rise from about 3% in 2020 to 7%–8% by 2030. By the mid-century mark in 2050, it is anticipated that nuclear power will offset roughly 70% of carbon emissions from fossil energy sources.