Nuclear Energy
Global Usage
Globally, nuclear energy continues to play an important role in the
generation of low-carbon power. As of 2023, nuclear power accounts
for almost 10% of global electricity generation and roughly a
quarter of total low-carbon electricity production (Nuclear - IEA,
n.d.). The United States remains the world's biggest producer of
nuclear energy, followed by France and China. China, in particular,
is quickly growing its nuclear capacity, with five new reactors
under construction in 2023, while other nations such as Egypt and
Turkey have also launched new nuclear projects.
In
addition to these initiatives, Europe has experienced substantial
progress in nuclear energy. Finland constructed the Olkiluoto 3
reactor, Western Europe's first new nuclear plant in 15 years, while
France plans to build six more reactors by 2035. Meanwhile, Japan
has prolonged the operating life of its reactors under the Green
Transformation project, enabling some to remain active for more than
60 years, echoing a global trend of extending the lifespans of
existing reactors to satisfy rising energy demand.
Emerging
markets, particularly in Asia, are driving nuclear expansion. South
Korea wants to raise nuclear power's portion of its energy mix to
more than 30% by 2030, while Poland has authorized its first nuclear
facility, which will employ Westinghouse reactors (Agence
France-Presse, 2024). Globally, nuclear power remains a crucial
actor in attaining net-zero emissions ambitions, with multiple
governments committed to build nuclear capacity to reduce dependency
on fossil fuels.
