A record surge in nuclear power generation is expected by 2025 after a renaissance in its popularity around the world as more countries switch investment to more low-carbon energy.
The comeback of nuclear is expected to combine with other cleaner fuels to lift renewable energy capacity to overtake coal as a primary electricity source and enable expected global electricity demand to be met while cutting carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
As part of its "Electricity 2024" report, the IEA predicted that global nuclear generation is set to exceed its 2021 peak, driven by nuclear plants restarting in Japan and returning from maintenance in France, along with new reactors in China, India, South Korea, and Europe.
“The power sector currently produces more CO2 emissions than any other in the world economy, so it’s encouraging that the rapid growth of renewables and a steady expansion of nuclear power are together on course to match all the increase in global electricity demand over the next three years,” IEA executive director Fatih Birol said.
In the UK, the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, the first new nuclear facility in over two decades, symbolizes this trend, with the UK government freeing up extra funding for the project this week after recently unveiling plans to ramp up the UK's nuclear capacity to provide 25% of the country’s power by 2050.
However, the IEA's report also highlights disparities in power capacity growth globally.
While overall electricity supply has increased, regions like Africa still face challenges in electricity access, impacting economic and social development, despite the potential. for solar and wind generation.
“The international community needs to work with African governments to enable the urgent progress [in electricity access] that is needed,” he said.