Is Nuclear Energy Renewable?

Renewable energy sources are crucial in tackling climate change due to their low greenhouse gas emissions, but we have a growing energy demand globally. Nuclear power generates electricity with a minimal carbon footprint, producing four times less associated CO2 than solar power and half as much as hydroelectricity. While it matches wind power in associated emissions, it's essential to remember that nuclear energy relies on a finite resource.

This raises the question: can nuclear power be deemed as a renewable energy source?

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is a constantly replenished energy source that has no threat of running out and can in theory be supplied forever. Energy sources like fossil fuels (oil and natural gas) are finite, so are the opposite of renewable energy sources as they cannot be replenished.

Does Nuclear Energy Increase Emissions?

France's typical fuel mix uses over 70% nuclear energy for the country's electricity supply, the highest of any European country. Despite the comparatively minimal amounts of renewable energy, France's emissions from electricity production are the 5th lowest in the EU.

To further improve their emissions related to energy, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a commitment of 1 billion euros to renewable energy innovation between 2022 and 2030.

What are Renewable Energy Sources?

The main renewable electricity sources are the sun, wind and tide (waves and waterways), but these aren't the only sources.

Wind energy

Generated when the wind pushes turbines of windmills, onshore and offshore wind farms.

Solar energy

During daylight hours solar radiation is harnessed by photovoltaic, thermal or thermodynamic plants.

Hydroelectricity

Tidal and waterway current forces turn turbines in the water to generate electricity, usually at dams, tidal energy sites and marine current turbines.

Geothermal energy

Rising heat is extracted from the Earth and directed into a turbine generator to turn turbine blades for electricity.

Biomass energy

Most biomass energy is generated via combustion, gasification, pyrolysis or methanisation.

Wind energy

Generated when the wind pushes turbines of windmills, onshore and offshore wind farms.

Solar energy

During daylight hours solar radiation is harnessed by photovoltaic, thermal or thermodynamic plants.

Hydroelectricity

Tidal and waterway current forces turn turbines in the water to generate electricity, usually at dams, tidal energy sites and marine current turbines.

Geothermal energy

Rising heat is extracted from the Earth and directed into a turbine generator to turn turbine blades for electricity.

Biomass energy

Most biomass energy is generated via combustion, gasification, pyrolysis or methanisation.

Is Nuclear Power Renewable?

Nuclear energy is produced using either uranium or thorium, which are both naturally occurring radioactive elements found in rock. Despite this, nuclear power cannot be considered a renewable power source. Here's why...

Uranium is found widely across the planet, almost on every continent and is the most abundant source of nuclear fuel. However, it will have a natural limit available to be mined for power production. Nuclear energy is therefore classified as a stock energy, as once the supply is used up, the stock of it can't be replaced.

While uranium and thorium aren't renewable energy sources, they can be recycled and re-used multiple times over. 96% of renewable energy produced is recyclable.

Is Nuclear Fuel a Fossil Fuel?

Nuclear fuel and energy are considered fissile energy as the energy is produced from the fission of atoms within the nuclear reactor, responsible for a chain reaction that can continuously supply the grid.

Should we use Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear energy, like all non-renewable energy sources, has some drawbacks associated with its energy production. But as we decarbonise our energy grids, nuclear energy can play a vital role in meeting the large energy demands that have previously been dealt with by fossil fuels.

Due to the current abundance of radioactive fuels and technology available, we can safely use nuclear energy to help us transition to lower-carbon energy production and curb our energy emissions in the short term.

This means that to respond to the growing global energy demand and the climate emergency, we must invest in and increase renewable energy use, while filling any shortfalls with other low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, such as nuclear energy.

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