Nuclear can meet 25 per cent of global electricity by 2050

• 14 years ago (2010-06-17)
• David Flin

Nuclear 659

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The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a report that claims that almost one quarter of global electricity could be generated from nuclear power by 2050. According to the report, nuclear capacity could grow by 1200 GW by 2050, providing 24 per cent of global electricity at that time, if it is fully supported and well developed.

The report, entitled “Nuclear Energy Technology Roadmap”, says that to achieve this target, nuclear generating capacity will need to grow at triple the current rate over the next 40 years. It claimed that the target was “ambitious but achievable.”

Nobuo Tanaka, IEA Executive Director, said: “Nuclear energy is one of the key low-carbon energy technologies that can contribute ... to the decarbonisation of electricity supply by 2050.”

The report said that the expansion of nuclear generation faces no technology challenges, but policy-related, industrial, financial and public acceptance barriers. It called for support from governments and better understanding from the public.

Nuclear generating capacity worldwide is currently 370 GW, providing 14 per cent of global electricity.