Approaches to Cost Estimation and Analysis of Nuclear Power Projects

Understanding the key cost drivers of nuclear power projects — and how national or regional contexts shape them — is essential for developing effective policies on introducing or expanding nuclear power. Integrating these cost insights into decision making supports stronger cost control and optimization. Sharing best practices in cost estimation, analysis and optimization is especially valuable for countries considering adopting nuclear power. Priority areas include core methodologies for cost estimation, strategies to optimize costs across project phases, and approaches to evaluating lifetime costs. This publication assists Member States by outlining practical methods for cost estimation and analysis across all phases of a nuclear project, including development, construction, operation and decommissioning.