Renewable generation exceeds nuclear for the first time

• 13 years ago (2011-04-18)
• Junior Isles

Asia 859 North America 1004 Nuclear 643 Renewables 757

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Total global generation from renewable energy sources outpaced nuclear energy for the first time in 2010, a report from a US think tank shows.

According to "The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2010-2011," issued by Worldwatch Institute, "In 2010, for the first time, worldwide cumulated installed capacity of wind turbines, biomass and waste-to-energy plants, and solar power reached 381 GW, outpacing the installed nuclear capacity of 375 GW.”

The report noted that even before the nuclear disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant in March, "the international nuclear industry has been unable to stop the slow decline of nuclear energy," it said. "Not enough new units are coming online, and the world's reactor fleet is aging quickly. Moreover, it is now evident that nuclear power development cannot keep up with the pace of its renewable energy competitors."

As of April 1 2011, 437 nuclear reactors with an average age of 26 years were operating in some 30 countries worldwide. Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency lists 64 reactors as "under construction" in 14 countries, according to the report.

While some nuclear utilities envisage reactor lifetimes of 40 years or more, "the scenario of generalised lifetime extensions is getting less likely after Fukushima, as many questions regarding safety upgrades, maintenance costs, and other issues would need to be more carefully addressed," the report says.