NEA press room
Press kit: Economics of nuclear power
How much does nuclear production of electricity really cost? Initial NEA studies focused on the direct costs including capital, investment, operation, maintenance and final cost. More recent discussions have endeavoured to examine the entire life cycle cost of nuclear electricity as well as its competitiveness in deregulated energy markets.
NEA Nuclear development programme
Related NEA reports and publications
Carbon Pricing, Power Markets and the Competitiveness of Nuclear Power
This study assesses the competitiveness of nuclear power against coal- and gas-fired power generation in liberalised electricity markets with either CO2 trading or carbon taxes. It uses daily price data for electricity, gas, coal and carbon from 2005 to 2010, which encompasses the first years of the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the world’s foremost carbon trading framework. The study shows that even with modest carbon pricing, competition for new investment in electricity markets will take place between nuclear energy and gas-fired power generation, with coal-fired power struggling to be profitable. The data and analyses contained in this study provide a robust framework for assessing cost and investment issues in liberalised electricity markets with carbon pricing. Executive summary. (2011)
Nuclear Energy Outlook
To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency launched its first Nuclear Energy Outlook (NEO), on 16 October 2008. It responds to the changing dynamics and renewed interest in nuclear energy and arrives at a moment when energy security, climate change and the cost of energy have become priorities in both short-term and long-term energy policies. (2008)
Using the most current data and statistics available, the NEO provides projections up to 2050 to consider growth scenarios and potential implications on the future use of nuclear energy. It also offers unique analyses and recommendations on the possible challenges that lie ahead.
Nuclear Energy Data
Nuclear Energy Data is the NEA’s annual compilation of essential statistics on electricity generation and nuclear power in OECD countries. The reader will have quick and easy reference to the status of and projected trends in total electricity generating capacity, nuclear generating capacity, and actual electricity production, as well as to supply and demand for nuclear fuel cycle services. (2010)
Nuclear Energy Today 
Nuclear Energy Today aims to provide, in a simple, short and clear style, authoritative and factual information on the main aspects of nuclear energy in today’s world. Written for a broad readership, primarily policy makers, as well as interested members of the public, academics, journalists and industry leaders, this publication will contribute to a better understanding of this source of energy. (2005)
Projected Costs of Generating Electricity
This joint report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is the seventh in a series of studies on electricity generating costs. It presents the latest data available for a wide variety of fuels and technologies, including coal and gas (with and without carbon capture), nuclear, hydro, onshore and offshore wind, biomass, solar, wave and tidal as well as combined heat and power (CHP). It provides levelised costs of electricity (LCOE) per MWh for almost 200 plants, based on data covering 21 countries (including four major non-OECD countries), and several industrial companies and organisations. For the first time, the report contains an extensive sensitivity analysis of the impact of variations in key parameters such as discount rates, fuel prices and carbon costs on LCOE. Additional issues affecting power generation choices are also examined.
The study shows that the cost competitiveness of electricity generating technologies depends on a number of factors which may vary nationally and regionally. Readers will find full details and analyses, supported by over 130 figures and tables, in this report which is expected to constitute a valuable tool for decision makers and researchers concerned with energy policies and climate change. (2010)
Externalities and Energy Policy: The Life Cycle Analysis Approach - Workshop Proceedings, Paris, France, 15-16 November 2001
Improving the sustainability of energy systems by incorporating energy externalities into related policy making represents a key challenge that has been studied by both the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the NEA. The life cycle analysis (LCA) approach, which consists of an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of a product through its life cycle "from cradle to grave", provides a conceptual framework for a detailed and comprehensive, comparative evaluation of energy supply options. LCA could help national energy policy making by pointing to opportunities to improve the sustainability of the full fuel cycle operations in OECD countries (for example, by improving the sustainability of mining practices) and providing quantitative input to the political debate on improving the sustainability of energy systems. (2002)
Reduction of Capital Costs of Nuclear Power Plants
The competitiveness of nuclear power plants depends largely on their capital costs that represent some 60 per cent of their total generation costs. Reviewing and analysing ways and means to reduce capital costs of nuclear power plants are essential to enhance the economic viability of the nuclear option. The report is based upon cost information and data provided by experts from NEA member countries. It investigates the efficiency of alternative methods for reducing capital costs of nuclear units. It will provide stakeholders from the industry and governmental agencies with relevant elements in support of policy making. (2000)
Business as Usual and Nuclear Power: A Joint IEA/NEA Meeting, 14-15 October 1999
Energy and nuclear policy makers face many challenges as they evaluate options to ensure an adequate supply of electricity while pursuing environmental, economic and energy security goals. Many analysts suggest that nuclear’s share of global energy supply could decrease in coming decades. If energy markets and national energy policies continue along "business as usual" lines, what are the issues that arise? What are the consequences for the long-term availability of nuclear technology and expertise? This book identifies the issues in a series of papers presented at a meeting jointly organised by the International Energy Agency and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency. (2000)
Nuclear Power in Competitive Electricity Markets
Economic deregulation in the power sector raises new challenges for the prospects of nuclear power. A key issue is to assess whether nuclear power can be competitive in a deregulated electricity market. Other important considerations include safety, nuclear liability and insurance, the nuclear power infrastructure, and health and environmental protection. (2000)
Low-level Radioactive Waste Repositories: An Analysis of Costs
Low-level radioactive waste (LLW) arises in the normal operation of nuclear power plants and fuel cycle facilities, as well as from the use of radioactive isotopes in medicine, industry and agriculture. This report sets out the costs of operating disposal sites for LLW in OECD countries, as well as the factors that may affect the costs of sites being developed. (1999)
Related links
Uranium: Resources, Production and Demand
With several countries currently building nuclear power plants and planning the construction of more to meet long-term increases in electricity demand, uranium resources, production and demand remain topics of notable interest. In response to the projected growth in demand for uranium and declining inventories, the uranium industry – the first critical link in the fuel supply chain for nuclear reactors – is boosting production and developing plans for further increases in the near future. Strong market conditions will, however, be necessary to trigger the investments required to meet projected demand.
The “Red Book”, jointly prepared by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency, is a recognised world reference on uranium. It is based on information compiled in 40 countries, including those that are major producers and consumers of uranium. This 23rd edition provides a comprehensive review of world uranium supply and demand as of 1 January 2009, as well as data on global uranium exploration, resources, production and reactor-related requirements. It provides substantive new information from major uranium production centres around the world, as well as from countries developing production centres for the first time. Projections of nuclear generating capacity and reactor-related uranium requirements through 2035 are also featured, along with an analysis of long-term uranium supply and demand issues. (2009)
Last reviewed: 13 September 2011