The study focused on mining methods, types of nuclear reactors, and the type of uranium
"The life cycle of resource use forThe production of 1 kWh of uranium-based nuclear power was performed by TMR analysis, says Associate Professor Shoki Kosai, corresponding author of the study. “We looked at both open and closed fuel cycles, as well as three types of uranium mining methods: open pit mining, underground mining and underground leaching. Greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource use were subsequently estimated for these variables.
The researchers found that the TMR ratio(showing production intensity) enriched uranium fuel was the highest, followed by nuclear fuel, reprocessed uranium fuel, mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, and finally yellowcake. The quality of the uranium ore also had a huge impact on the TMR, which meant that the TMR varied significantly with different mining methods. In situ leaching had the lowest TMR. However, the mining method had a larger impact on resource use than its effect on greenhouse gas emissions.
Discussing the impact of fuel cycles, Prof.Eiji Yamasue says: “We found that a closed cycle that recycles uranium fuel uses 26% fewer resources than an open cycle that does not reuse its by-products.”
In addition, it was found that the usenatural resources in the production of nuclear energy is similar to the use of renewable energy sources and is significantly lower than in the production of thermal energy. In addition, the global warming potential and the TMR of nuclear power generation showed very different trends. Along with lower greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy also uses fewer natural resources, making it an environmentally friendly source of electricity generation.
“Maintaining a circular economy, even forresource usage is important. Our results can help develop a long-term energy policy that takes into account nuclear power generation,” concludes Dr. Kosai.
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