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?
India budget aims to scale up civil nuclear power and develop local renewables supply chains
12/2/2025
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced plans to expand India’s nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, building on the announcement she...
UK government plans to overhaul nuclear power plant planning rules in a year when global nuclear generation is set to hit an all-time high
12/2/2025
The UK government said that the new planning reforms address the bureaucratic hurdles that have hindered nuclear development in the country for decade...
Welsh government backs largest consented tidal energy project in Europe
12/2/2025
Owned and managed by the Menter Môn social enterprise, Morlais will see a range of tidal energy technologies installed in a 35 km² area of the seabed ...
Global investment in the energy transition in 2024 exceeded $2tn for the first time, but the pace of growth has slowed
12/2/2025
Electrified transport remained the largest investment driver, reaching $757bn in 2024, finds the analysis. This figure includes spending on passenger ...
Japan’s draft energy strategy attracts criticism on clean energy and decarbonisation grounds
5/2/2025
According to climate change think tank E3G, the draft SEP strategy ‘fails to make progress on Japan’s existing 2030 target for renewables set out in t...
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...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3251
Engaging contractors: Partnership approaches to improving safety in the power industry
June 2022
This publication was developed in response to demand from operators and contractors within the power generation sector, recognising that the safe and ...
IP 392: Determination of aromatic hydrogen and carbon content - High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy method
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
Guidance on managing process safety in decommissioning projects
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
Human and organisational factors in end of service life and decommissioning
February 2019
This document is freely available to all registered users of this site.Health, safety, wellbeing and performance of those working on sites, both on an...
EI 3359
Assessing and managing the risk of arc flash
May 2018
The objective of this publication is to provide a practical approach to the management of arc flash risk within electrical installations. It provides ...