State of the Climate in Europe 2022

June 23, 2023

The State of the Climate in Europe 2022 report sheds light on the impact of weather-related disruptions on global nuclear energy generation.

Weather-Related Production Losses and Global Nuclear Energy Generation

According to the report, weather-related production losses accounted for approximately 0.35% of global nuclear energy generation in 2022. Although this percentage seems relatively small, it signifies the vulnerability of nuclear power plants to adverse weather conditions.

Comparing Weather-Related Nuclear Power Interruptions

In relation to total nuclear outages globally, weather-related nuclear power interruptions constitute a small share. This suggests that while weather-related disruptions occur, they are not the primary cause of nuclear outages on a global scale.

Increasing Disruptions and Steep Inclines

Over the past three decades, disruptions to nuclear power plants due to extreme weather conditions have increased. The report highlights two periods, namely 2003-2006 and 2010-2018, where disruptions experienced the steepest inclines. This trend underscores the growing challenges faced by nuclear power plants in the face of changing weather patterns.

Rivers, Lakes, and Associated Risks

Around 60% of weather-related nuclear production losses since 2017 were associated with plants located near rivers or lakes. The report suggests that these locations are more prone to flooding, highlighting the need for appropriate measures to address such risks.

The Importance of Water in Nuclear Power Plants

High water requirements in nuclear power plants serve a crucial purpose. The National Resource Defense Council explains that water is necessary to prevent overheating of fission products in the core and spent nuclear fuel. This emphasizes the critical role of water in maintaining the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants.

Water-Cooled Reactors and Planned Expansion

Based on information from the International Atomic Energy Agency, an overwhelming 96% of currently operating nuclear reactors are water-cooled. Additionally, the State of the Climate 2022 report reveals that the majority of the 100 Gigawatts of nuclear capacity currently under construction or planned are located on the seacoast. This choice of location helps mitigate some cooling water-related issues.

Increasing Risks and the Fukushima Daiichi Lesson

The report highlights low river flows, increasing temperatures, and heat extremes as major factors contributing to the rising risks faced by nuclear power plants. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating adaptation provisions and safety revisions to address the challenges posed by climate change. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011 serves as a lesson, underscoring the necessity of adequate preparation to prevent such incidents in the future.

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