Quantitative evaluation of security of nuclear energy supply: United States as a case study

Abstract

Nuclear energy utilization became an emerging issue in the global energy security agenda after the Fukushima nuclear accident. Thus, it is crucial to develop a multifaceted measure to assess the performance of security of nuclear energy supply and to aid policy decisions relevant to nuclear energy utilization. For this purpose, quantitative evaluation method for security of nuclear energy supply has been investigated. Indicators which are associated with security of nuclear energy supply are identified by taking the nuclear-specific characteristics including 3S (safeguard, safety and security) and public opinion into account. The methodology for quantitative analysis of security of nuclear energy supply is developed based on the dedicated six indicators by employing the different weighting and aggregation approaches. Finally, composite indices for security of nuclear energy supply are assessed in United States as a case study during the period between 2000 and 2012. It was found that the nuclear energy supply security in U.S. has improved during this target period, and the specific externality which potentially affects nuclear energy supply security could be identified using the proposed method.

Keywords

• Fukushima nuclear accident
• Nuclear power
• Energy security
• Principal component analysis
• Security of supply