Nuclear uncertainties: Energy loans for fission power

The energy requirements and costs of the complete nuclear fuel cycle of a light water reactor (LWR) power plant are analysed, from mining the uranium ore to dismantling the nuclear facilities and final disposal of the radioactive wastes. The most critical parameters are identified and discussed. The analysis has an empirical character: only data which are supported by practice are used. The conclusions differ significantly from previous studies, mainly because of the complete approach and the use of recent figures and trends.