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)
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