Nuclear power supplies around 10% of global electricity
Nuclear power is generated by controlled nuclear fission within reactors, where uranium or plutonium atoms are split, releasing energy to produce electricity. Originating in the 1950s, nuclear power emits minimal greenhouse gases, comparable to renewables. However, it is capital-intensive and regulated due to the radioactive materials involved.
The history of nuclear power includes major accidents like Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011), leading to varying national policies, from France’s heavy reliance on nuclear energy to Germany’s nuclear phase-out in 2023. Long-term disposal of nuclear waste remains unresolved, challenging public acceptance.
Research on nuclear fusion, a potentially safer alternative, and small modular reactors is ongoing but not yet commercially viable. The future of nuclear power is uncertain, influenced by costs, sustainability, and waste management challenges.
Learn more about nuclear power by reading our Energy Insights.
For the latest news and articles on the transport sector read New Energy World.
Read energy professional's thoughts on the future of nuclear in our Energy Barometer.
0.0 Gt
of global emissions per year is avoided by using nuclear power (IEA)
0
reactors are operating around the world, providing 395 GWe of civil nuclear power capacity, almost 97 GWe of which is located in the US (World Nuclear Association)
About 0%
of all radioactive waste from nuclear power by volume is highly radioactive and requires permanent isolation from the environment (World Nuclear Association)
About 0%
share of world electricity generation is from nuclear power (IEA)
What's new?
EDF and Centrica throw in six more years of nuclear power with UK AGR life extensions
11/12/2024
The Heysham 2 (Lancashire) and Torness (East Lothian) nuclear power plants will now keep producing zero-carbon electricity for an additional two years...
New Indonesian President signs off $7bn gas project while reaffirming 2050 net zero target
4/12/2024
The $7bn Tangguh Ubadari CCUS Compression (UCC) project will comprise development of the Ubadari gas field, enhanced gas recovery through CCUS and ons...
NESO sketches out its roadmap to 2030
13/11/2024
The Clean Power 2030 Report suggests that while the transition to a clean power system is a ‘huge challenge’, it is ‘achievable’. The report outlines ...
Energy industry ‘disappointed’ by increase in windfall tax, but reaction to other parts of UK Autumn Budget more positive
6/11/2024
In response, David Whitehouse, CEO of trade association Offshore Energies UK, said: ‘With an increase in tax despite commodity prices at recent lows, ...
Asia-Pacific needs $88.7tn of funding to meet Paris Agreement climate goals
23/10/2024
The Asia-Pacific region needs to accelerate the deployment of mature technologies, support emerging climate solutions and scale up finance for the ene...
Events and training
Human Factors Foundation - October 2025
6/10/2025 - 10/10/2025
This 5-day course delivers a comprehensive introduction into human factors for non-specialists. It provides a practical, engaging and interactive back...
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