The battle is against carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. To mitigate climate change, we need to choose energy sources that minimize our production of this “greenhouse gas.” Some detractors of nuclear power, while agreeing that nuclear power generation produces the least amount of CO₂, would then exclaim, “Aha! But what about all the energy it takes to mine uranium, process it, transport the fuel and build, operate and decommission (i.e. close down) a nuclear power plant?” Several independent studies have measured the entire life cycle of different energy sources, and all have reached the same conclusions: Hydro, wind and nuclear generate the least amount of greenhouse gases per unit of electricity. Of these three, only hydro and nuclear can deliver consistent, constant “baseload” electricity. Wind, while certainly part of the energy solution, cannot.

Who has Seen the (potential of) Wind?

Like a scene from a science fiction movie, the 80 wind turbines come into view at the Global Tech 1 wind farm – in the German North Sea. That vision is destined for reality, possibly as early as 2011. AREVA has formally signaled its intent to build the 5 MW turbines, which will produce 1.4 billion kWh per year for approximately one million consumers. The turbine field will cost about $1.1 billion CDN.

In a remote camp in northern Saskatchewan, a geologist is earning a good living for herself. In a small house in Calais, France, a teenager turns on his computer to go on Facebook, while his grandfather watches television. The connection is AREVA, the world leader in nuclear technology and the only company to cover all industrial activities in this field. In total, AREVA has manufacturing facilities in about 40 countries and a sales network in more than 100.

In addition to nuclear power, AREVA has established its Renewable Energies Business Unit to explore and harness the potential of energy sources, including biomass (plant and animal matter), solar, and wind that provide carbon-free electrical power.

The EPR™ Reactor: Certainty and Safety for our Future

AREVA’s EPR™ is clearly destined to be the mainstay of standardized, efficient reactor fleets in the world. Ten international utilities have already chosen the EPR™. There are four EPR™ reactors under construction in Finland, France and China, and others are being proposed in the United States, Great Britain, South Africa and other countries. The EPR™ design has evolved from the proven technology based on the construction of 87 pressurized water reactors built by AREVA throughout the world. Its design, based on a series of redundant passive and active safeguard systems, makes it the only Generation III+ reactor in the world.

Recycling Nuclear Warheads into Electricity

Fuel once meant for weapons will now become a source of light and warmth. In fact, by 2013 the equivalent of 20,000 nuclear warheads will be converted for peaceful uses. AREVA is participating in that mission, as part of the “Megatons to Megawatts” program.