A study on the impact of global replacement of fossil fuel based electricity generation, transportation and domestic heating with nuclear generated electricity using a modified VENSIM DICE model

Abstract

While much debated across current media, electricity generation using nuclear energy is proposed as one of the means of addressing the global negative impacts of climate change – notably ongoing accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels (FF). In this thesis, different transition scenarios were investigated in replacement of FF electricity generation, vehicle transport and domestic heating, using the macro-economic Dynamic Integrated Climate Economy (DICE) model. The model was modified by replacing FF sources by nuclear power plants, electric vehicles and heaters, across global scales. Based on declared national target year to attain net-zero carbon status, simulations were carried out based on parametric targets. Simulations results indicate that replacing all FF generation plants, vehicles and heaters would reduce CO2 emissions roughly 25%. For a net zero target of 2060, CO2 concentration will reduce by 82 ppm. This result predicts a reduction in global warming of 0.3°C by 2100.