WNN podcast: Real timelines and the economic logic behind building nuclear power plants.

In the latest episode of the World Nuclear News network's podcast, Stéphane Aubarbier, deputy CEO of engineering giant Assystem, clarified the key economic and time parameters that determine the success of modern nuclear projects

He compared the financing of the nuclear program to buying an apartment, noting that interest rates directly depend on the confidence banks and investors have in the country and the chosen technology. According to him, using proven technologies with clear results dramatically reduces risk, which enables more favorable lending conditions. The final price of electricity per megawatt-hour is entirely determined by the speed at which the project is implemented, because any extension of deadlines dramatically accrues interest that consumers ultimately pay.

When it comes to realistic timeframes, Aubarbier estimates that from the moment of signing the contract to the first concrete pour, about 36 months are required, provided the licensing process is efficient. The construction phase for the most successful projects in the world lasts about 60 months, while for others that period reaches 80 or 90 months. In the final tally, that means the realistic timeframe for connecting a nuclear power plant to the grid is between eight and twelve years from the moment of entering into a contract with the technology supplier.

Particularly notable is his observation about regulatory bodies where he notes that so-called 'newcomer' countries are often more agile in adapting to large infrastructure projects than traditional nuclear powers. While Western states like the United States or France are often hampered by decades-old and rigid processes that are hard to change, new nuclear nations more quickly find adequate administrative pathways while maintaining the highest safety standards.

As for the future of fusion, Aubarbier believes that we are still in the research phase and that commercial delivery of electricity from fusion reactors will probably become a reality only by the end of this century. At the very end of the discussion, he told students that the nuclear sector is an ideal place for a career because it offers an opportunity to directly influence global energy sovereignty and the fight against climate change.

You can also listen to the entire podcast on the site World Nuclear News and we also recommend other podcasts.