Comparison of nuclear power & coal energy in Europe : narrative literature review

Abstract

Most energy systems are dependent on weather, whereas coal and nuclear power are not. This leaves the general public confused which one to choose to provide a stable energy source growing populations needs. The purpose of the study was to analyze via narrative literature review eight chosen literatures/articles/sources on coal and nuclear power that were released between 2010-2021 by using only Andor search tool. English language literature was only accepted, and case studies were excluded. The aims were to determine whether nuclear power is superior to coal power in terms of energy production, environmental impacts, and whether Europe should choose coal or nuclear power taking future technology and politics into consideration.

According to research, nuclear power is superior in every aspect of energy production and environmental impacts, expect nuclear waste. Even though there are not as many nuclear fuel reserves in Europe, nuclear fuel would be still economical to import from outside of Europe. Both nuclear power and coal power have similar environmental impacts in mining, but in emissions nuclear power is superior due to low emissions compared to coal power. Coal power wastewater showed negative environmental impacts, while nuclear power cooling water provided wetlands to support wildlife. Coal is superior in terms of waste due to low hazard and recyclability, while nuclear waste must be stored in a safe place for hundreds of years until it does not emit dangerous radioactivity. Politically, coal has a higher approval rate than nuclear does despite coal having a higher death rate. New technology looks promising for nuclear power possibly solving the nuclear waste issue.

More recent studies on coal environmental impacts with new technology is suggested in Europe to assess appropriately coal utilization in Europe. Nuclear power mining was also lacking in literature significantly, where more research of the environmental impacts should be available.