Nuclear power is entering a new era, with record-high electricity generation, a surge in new projects and growing government support.
According to a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report, global nuclear power output is set to hit an all-time high in 2025, driven by Japan restarting production, France completing maintenance works and new reactors launching in China, India, Korea and parts of Europe.
With around 70 GW of nuclear capacity under construction, this is one of the sector’s biggest expansion periods in 30 years.
Interest in nuclear energy is at its highest level since the 1970s oil crisis, with 40 countries planning to increase their reliance on nuclear power.
From major economies to emerging markets, nations are looking to secure clean, stable energy as electricity demand skyrockets.
One of the biggest game-changers is the rise of small modular reactors (SMRs). These next-generation nuclear units are smaller, more flexible and easier to deploy than traditional reactors.
Fusion funding is also increasing as the long awaited energy source becomes more of a realistic option with commercial plants given backing both here and in the US.
If governments provide the right policy support and industries deliver on time, more than 1,000 SMRs could be operational by 2050, transforming global energy infrastructure.
Despite the momentum, challenges remain.
Governments and industries must ensure projects are delivered on budget, develop new financing strategies and strengthen supply chains.
But with the world racing toward net zero, nuclear is proving itself as a key player in the clean energy transition says the IEA report.
The post Nuclear’s back and bigger! appeared first on Energy Live News.
