Analysis examines nuclear global trends

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released this week the latest Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates for the Period up to 2050, which examines global projections for nuclear power.

“Global electricity demand is expected to rise sharply in coming years as countries need more power for development,” Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA deputy director general and head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, said. “Without a significant increase in the deployment of nuclear power, it will be difficult for the world to secure sufficient energy to achieve sustainable development and to mitigate climate change.”

The analysis determined new projections to 2030 reflect generating capacity declining by some 8 percent in the low case and increasing by 25 percent in the high estimate. By 2050, it is seen falling by 6 percent in the low scenario and rising by 80 percent in the high case.

Last year nuclear power produced 10 percent of the world’s electricity, accounting for around one-third of all low carbon electricity while presently officials said the world’s 450 operating nuclear power reactors have a near-record level of 399.7 GW(e) total net installed capacity.

Interest in nuclear power remains strong in several regions, particularly in the developing world, and commitments agreed under the Paris Agreement and other initiatives have the potential to support its development, according to the report.