Breaking the Cost Escalation Curse of Nuclear Power

The success of nuclear power renaissance hinges on addressing one critical challenge: cost. Historically, nuclear power has been plagued by a “cost escalation curse,” with overnight construction costs rising dramatically in countries like the United States and France from the 1970s to the 1990s. In contrast, China’s nuclear sector presents a striking counterexample, achieving declining costs alongside substantially capacity expansion.

In this Energy Policy Seminar, Shangwei Liu, Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Belfer Center's Environment and Natural Resources Program and Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program, will share findings from a forthcoming paper to explain how China has been able to reduce its construction costs - and what other countries can learn.

Q&A to follow. Buffet-style lunch provided.

Registration: RSVP required. A Harvard University ID is required for in-person attendance; all are welcome to attend via Zoom.

Recording: The seminar will NOT be recorded.

Accessibility: To request accommodations or who have questions about access, please contact Liz Hanlon (ehanlon@hks.harvard.edu) in advance of the session.