Nuclear Demands: Uranium Reserves, Consumption, and Power Plants

This lecture discusses the demands for uranium, considering factors such as reserves, consumption, nuclear power plant capacity, and fuel prices. It explores the current global energy system, highlighting the role of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and the declining share of nuclear power. The lecture also delves into the distribution of nuclear power plants worldwide, focusing on regions like the European Union, North America, and Eastern Asia. It compares uranium demand with installed capacity, emphasizing the efficiency differences in nuclear reactors across countries. The fluctuating price of uranium over the years is analyzed, along with the economic implications for uranium extraction. Furthermore, the lecture examines the levelized cost of electricity for different power plants, showcasing the contrasting trends in nuclear, solar, wind, and gas combined cycle technologies.