Decommissioning IS expensive

November 12, 2014

IEA: $100 bil. in costs to retire 200 reactors

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20141113_29.html

Nov. 13, 2014 - Updated 08:39 UTC+1

The International Energy Agency says about 200 nuclear reactors around the world will be retired by 2040, and that 100 billion dollars will be needed to decommission them.

The IEA issued its world energy outlook on Wednesday.

The report says about 200 of the 434 reactors that were operating, or could be operational, at the end of 2013 are expected to be retired by 2040. It says most of them are in Europe, the United States, Russia and Japan.

The IEA estimates the cost to decommission the reactors at about 100 billion dollars. It points out the need for power companies and regulators to secure adequate funds.

The report also says nuclear power helps countries lower their dependence on foreign energy sources and reduce the impact of fuel price movements.

The IEA estimates the world can cut about 4 years' worth of carbon dioxide emissions with increases in nuclear power production in China, India, Russia, the US and other countries.

The IEA also estimates the amount of spent fuel to double over the period. It says countries are obliged to work out solutions for long-term storage.