Role of Nuclear Power in the Future: Cost and Public Acceptance

Abstract

The Fukushima accident pushed nuclear energy into dark criticism. Five years after, Japan is still faltering in its response to phase out nuclear. Global generating electricity from nuclear has decreased. Unfortunately, capital costs for renewables continue to fall, but costs of nuclear power keep rising. In addition, nuclear waste storage and spent fuel management problems are still unsolved. What's the nuclear power future? It has been plagued by the high cost of construction for a long time and the uncertain public acceptance after the Fukushima, as well as other strong competitors from renewables and fossil shale-gas in the near future.