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.
For the latest news and articles on the nuclear sector, read New Energy World.
Read energy professional's thoughts on the future of nuclear in our Energy Barometer.
31
countries use nuclear energy to generate electricity with nuclear providing around 20% of global low-carbon electricity (World Nuclear Association)
0
operable reactors at the end of 2024 (World Nuclear Association)
0TWh
of electricity was generated by nuclear power plants in 2024 (World Nuclear Association)
≅0%
share of world electricity generation is from nuclear power (IEA)
New Energy World stories
Sizewell B nuclear plant wins 20-year life extension to 2055
14th July 2026
The extension will enable Sizewell B to maintain its current output (1,200MWe) while supporting around 900 jobs at the site through to 2055. The ...
Big tech counts the energy costs of AI
14th July 2026
Google is navigating the tension between hyper-growth and environmental stewardship, according to Google Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt. In ...
Privately funded small modular reactor programme broadens Britain’s nuclear ambitions
7th July 2026
SGE, a European developer and investor in small modular reactors (SMRs), has applied under the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework to develop a privately ...
Solar generation eases European gas price spike despite flexibility challenges
7th July 2026
To explain this contrast, the industry association published figures in July 2026, based on data from its automated Electricity Data Assistant (ELDA) ...
Thermal coal demand rises in Asia-Pacific because of Middle East conflict and LNG deficit
15th June 2026
Rystad Energy reports that a 35mn t LNG supply shortfall is forcing gas-dependent utilities to operate existing coal plants more. This practice is sup...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3604
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June 2022
This publication was developed in response to demand from operators and contractors within the power generation sector, recognising that the safe and ...
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January 2020
This method covers the determination of aromatic hydrogen and aromatic carbon contents of hydrocarbon oils. These include kerosines, gas oils, mineral...
EI 3390
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July 2019
This publication is intended to provide guidance on managing process safety within decommissioning projects generally within the energy sector, with m...
EI 3383
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February 2019
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