The economics of nuclear energy

The nuclear renaissance heralded in the early 2000s ended in Western economies before it actually began. Upcoming competition from new sources (shale gas, renewables), falling electricity demand due to the economic crisis and the Fukushima accident caused a deep dent into the prospects of the technology. Nevertheless, with 27 percent of total electricity generation in the EU it is still a major electricity generation technology and several European countries are considering new nuclear power plants.

Few technologies are discussed more controversially than nuclear. In this Energy and Climate Exchange we want to focus on the economics of the technology which - according to François Lévêque - is a bet, given the substantial uncertainties of this complex technology.

Speakers

• François Lévêque, Mines ParisTech
• William D’haeseleer, KU Leuven
• Discussant: Maurizio Boella, European Commission, DG Energy
• Chair: Georg Zachmann, Bruegel

Event materials

Event summary Download

Synthesis on the Economics of Nuclear Energy by William D’haeseleer Download

Nucleaire On/Off by François Lévêque

Presentation by François Lévêque Download

Presentation by William D’haeseleer Download

Presentation by Maurizio Boella Download

Practical details

• Venue: Bruegel, Rue de la Charité 33, 1210 Bruxelles
• Time: 5 February 2013, 12:30 - 14:00. Lunch will be served at the end of the event.
• Contact: matilda.sevon[at]bruegel.org