in the short run while the current structure of the power generation mix remains in place all dispatchable technologies nuclear coal and gas will suffer due to lower average electricity prices and reduced load factors due to their relatively low variable costs however existing nuclear power plants will do relatively better than gas and coal plants which are already suffering substantially final outcomes will depend on the amount of variable renewables being introduced local circumstances and of course the level of carbon prices one needs to remember that while nuclear power has some system costs of its own it remains the only major dispatchable lowcarbon source of electricity that is not limited in supply