Nuclear power and climate policy integration in developed and developing countries

Gungor G., Sari R.

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS, vol.169, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 169
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112839
  • Journal Name: RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Greenfile, INSPEC, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Nuclear power, Climate policy integration, Renewable energy, Developing countries, Carbon emissions, ELECTRICITY-GENERATION, ENERGY TRANSITION, PUBLIC-OPINION, MODELS, METHODOLOGY, STRATEGIES, REDUCTION, CONTEXT, DEBATE, GOALS
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Many developed and developing countries continue to pursue new projects despite reluctance to invest in the renewal of existing nuclear power plants or the decision to gradually phase them out in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima accident. This study reviews the literature on nuclear power and climate policy integration by using the semi-systematic review method. The synthesis of research between research domains of "Earth and Planetary Science and "Energy" aims to provide a scientific basis for policy-makers in preparing national energy and climate plans. The study's main findings reveal that there are trade-offs between national energy and climate plans and inter-regional cooperation and between depoliticization of nuclear power and citizen engagement for climate policy integration into governance structures of countries. Empirical evidence indicates that nuclear power prevents inter-regional cooperation and citizen engagement for effective climate policy integration. The authors, therefore, recommend further research on inter-regional cooperation and citizen engagement to assess the ineffective role of nuclear power in climate policy integration.