Uranium-based nuclear power plants produce electricity with very low direct greenhouse gas emissions. During operation, reactors do not release carbon dioxide in the same way as coal or gas plants. This has led to nuclear energy being included in many global discussions on reducing emissions and meeting international climate targets.

​

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) both recognise nuclear energy as a low-carbon option alongside renewables. While the mining, processing, and construction stages of nuclear power generation involve emissions, lifecycle assessments show them to be comparable with, or in some cases lower than, wind and solar technologies.

This emissions profile positions uranium as part of the broader transition to cleaner energy. In nations with existing nuclear capacity, reactors already displace large amounts of fossil-fuel-derived power. France, for example, maintains a significantly lower carbon footprint in its electricity generation than countries heavily reliant on coal or natural gas.

​

Importantly, uranium’s contribution is not framed as a replacement for renewables but as a complement. Nuclear can provide the stable, base-load supply that supports intermittent sources like solar and wind. By reducing overall reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining grid stability, uranium-powered energy is often considered within long-term climate frameworks.

​

However, nuclear power also faces challenges in public perception and waste management. These factors are central to policy decisions, showing that uranium’s emissions advantage is one element within a larger set of environmental and social considerations.