Five reasons nuclear energy will rebound in 2018

Nuclear energy has faced serious challenges in recent years because of several factors: competition from low gas prices, subsidised renewables and slow growth in electricity demand in certain markets. But because of several powerful forces we are seeing signs that this year nuclear energy will come roaring back, writes Jarret Adams.

Several nuclear plants have closed prematurely in the United States, and other shutdowns have been announced. But in every instance, the nuclear plant closures have led to higher emissions and electricity prices, pointing out a difficult truth.

Experts say it is virtually impossible for a major economy to have a reliable, low-carbon grid without nuclear energy. The Germans are learning this lesson the hard way.

Wave of new plants on the horizon

With more than 50 nuclear plants under construction today and 150 more planned, the pace of construction is faster than at any time since the 1990s. This year we expect to see 14 new plants come online, with some key new-generation plants, such as Westinghouse’s AP1000 and Framatome’s EPR, both in China, expected at or near completion.

The first of four APR1400 reactors in the United Arab Emirates, built by Korea’s Kepco, is nearing completion largely on time and on budget. This clearly demonstrates there is nothing inherent about nuclear that prevents this technology from being built economically and on a predictable timeline.

Nuclear giants reorganising

Meanwhile some of the biggest players in the nuclear sector have reorganised to come out leaner and meaner to tackle the global market.

• The restructuring of the former Areva into Framatome and Orano is complete, with the world’s largest nuclear plant operator EDF taking ownership of Framatome, which focuses on reactors, fuel fabrication and services. With new international partners and French government investment, Orano is in a stronger position to keep its focus on uranium mining, enrichment, recycling and decommissioning.

• Brookfield Asset Partners of Canada has agreed to buy Westinghouse Electric Company, which analysts say will help the company finalise some of the international deals it has been pursuing.

• Meanwhile, the China National Nuclear Company (CNNC), China’s second largest reactor owner, merged with China Nuclear Equipment Company (CNEC) to create another powerhouse with 100,000 employees-strong aimed at the export market.

With the reorganisation of these companies behind them, we can expect to see some major nuclear energy agreements this year.

Nuclear’s climate role becoming impossible to ignore

Another driver is the increasing threat of climate change, which is motivating countries to invest in new nuclear projects or at least keep existing plants operating. Nuclear energy is the largest source of emission-free power in the United States, the European Union, South Korea and other countries.

Why are emissions per capita far lower in France than in neighboring Germany? One word: nuclear. While nuclear supplies about 75% of France’s electricity, Germany has decided to shut down its nuclear plants.

Click to view all articles for the EPIC:
Or click to view the full company profile:
    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    anglo pacific group plc

    More articles like this

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver price ‘set to top $20’

    Silver prices rose on Monday while gold edged higher and European stock markets bounced, shrugging off concerns about a further acceleration of the global Coronavirus pandemic despite mixed economic news, writes Atsuko Whitehouse at BullionVault.  Shares in

    anglo pacific group plc

    Can copper protect against the new coronavirus?

    Over the past few months, there has been a surge in the market for materials laced with copper—including face masks, bedsheets, and socks—with manufacturers touting the metal’s germ-killing ability. But experts say consumers should be cautious,

    anglo pacific group plc

    Emerging technologies to drive silver demand

    The price of silver soared in May, jumping more than 19% on safe haven demand as well as increased expectations of a swift economic recovery, given its many industrial applications. Not only was this silver’s best month since

    anglo pacific group plc

    EVs will drive demand for nickel sulfate over the next decade

    In a newly-released report on the nickel sulfate industry, Roskill forecasts that the expanding EV industry will become the key driver of growth in nickel demand. In the past, the market for nickel sulfate was largely driven by the plating

    anglo pacific group plc

    Gold prices settle 1% higher

    Gold prices settled higher Tuesday as global equities staged a modest retreat after being buoyant for weeks on the back of the reopening of economies stricken by the coronavirus pandemic. Prices for the precious metals found

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver on the cusp of a huge breakout

    Next to gold, silver is the most malleable and ductile metal. Throughout history, this has made it an ideal tool for artisans to create symbols of wealth and prestige, forging it to fit any shape or

    anglo pacific group plc

    Here’s Why Silver is a Unique Investment Hedge in 2020

    Max Greb, a Shanghai-based portfolio manager at Olivar & Greb Capital Management, has extensive experience in professional investment and wealth management consulting for individuals and families. When time permits, he shares his insight in this column

    anglo pacific group plc

    Gold gains as U.S.-China tensions lift safe-haven demand

    Gold prices rose on Friday, following a sharp decline in the previous session, as escalating trade tensions between the United States and China lifted bullion’s safe-haven appeal, though a stronger dollar kept gains in check. Spot

    anglo pacific group plc

    The history and value of gold

    Gold has emerged as one of the best performing asset class in 2020, gaining 15% year to date with prices hitting all time high in India. These gains are special as it has come after a

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver futures rise on spot demand

    Silver prices on Monday rose 0.42 per cent to Rs 41,410 per kg in futures trade as participants widened their bets on firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for May delivery gained

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver futures rise on spot demand

    Silver prices on Monday rose 0.42 per cent to Rs 42,227 per kg in futures trade as participants widened their bets on firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for May delivery gained

    anglo pacific group plc

    Silver futures up 2.46%

    Silver prices touched Rs 42,710 per kg on April 23 as participants increased their long positions. According to Silver Institute’s World Silver Survey 2020 report, rising demand for bar and coin from investors will offset the

    anglo pacific group plc

    Anglo Pacific mines a stream of dividends

    Anglo Pacific is a one-off in this country. It is the only listed business focused on mining royalties – which means the group provides cash to miners in return for a slice of their revenues.  Some