Advanced Nuclear Energy: Need, Characteristics, Project Costs and Opportunities

Nearly every analysis of the energy technologies required over the next several decades to create a near-zero carbon energy system has concluded that there will likely be a need for large amounts of nuclear energy.

But for nuclear energy to be available to play a meaningful role in a high-energy, low carbon future, we must fundamentally transform the way nuclear reactors work, how they are built, and what they cost. To be relevant to human needs and climate at scale in the next few decades, nuclear plants must be competitive on price with coal and gas; deployable as fast as coal plants or faster; and suitable for operation in developing countries without significant pre-existing nuclear capabilities.