Nuclear energy versus solar energy (Nuke vs. PV): The comparison of their economic feasibilities and environmental aspects for Turkey

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi, İşletme Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2014

Öğrenci: ABDULLAH BUĞRAHAN KARAVELİ

Eş Danışman: BÜLENT GÜLTEKİN AKINOĞLU, UĞUR SOYTAŞ

Özet:

Having global regime with increasing environmental threats, reaching limits to growth, ascending needs and aspirations, humanity is seeking for new options not only to meet the needs but also to reconcile economic feasibility considering environmental vulnerability. Energy is at the hub of above mentioned concerns as taking a part in both of creating problems and of producing solutions. This study examines and compares the economic feasibility and environmental effectiveness of nuclear energy and solar energy options for Turkey, a country which is at the threshold of new investments to meet its expanding electricity demand depending on sui-generis conditions. The comparison is made specifically for two case studies, the photovoltaic energy (PV) power plant in Karapinar Energy Specialised Industrial Zone and the nuclear energy (NUKE) power plant in Mersin Akkuyu. Former case study determines exposed solar irradiation amount, design parameters, total electricity production, life cycle assessment and inventory, CO2 reduction potential, levelised cost of energy and payback of an aforementioned photovoltaic power plant. The latter similarly identifies the material use, environmental affect, CO2 reduction potential, levelised cost of energy and payback of an above mentioned nuclear energy power plant. Then, the outputs are compared. Abiding by allocation of same installed power, namely 4800 MW; both options have advantages and disadvantages. While PV is cheaper without land cost, NUKE produces more electricity. Although NUKE has much more cumulative CO2 reduction, PV is more beneficial in terms of CO2 reduction per unit of electricity. PV needs quite more area, however, it requires very much less days for commissioning and decommissioning when compared to NUKE. When PV installation needs less water, less concrete, less steel, NUKE requires less aluminum, less glass.