Nuclear is 'key driver' behind EU emissions reductions, says EEA report

摘要

The European Union remains "well on track" to achieve its Kyoto Protocol target for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions despite a 2.4% emissions increase in 2010, according to first estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA). In three reports published on 7 October 2011, the EEA says many different policies have played a role in bringing down greenhouse gas emissions, which overall have declined by 15.5% in the EU since 1990. The agency says one of the drivers behind reduced emissions is a country's share of nuclear in total electricity generation. "Electricity generated by nuclear power plants does not cause end-of-pipe GHG emissions," the EEA says. "A high share of nuclear electricity generation in total electricity generation contributes to reduced GHG emissions reductions."