6: IAEA: Worldwide Nuclear Generation Capacity Set to Skyrocket
Global nuclear operational capacity will increase more than 100% in the next 25 years, according to new 泭梯娶棗轍梗釵喧勳棗紳莽.
Whats going on: For the fifth year in a row, the [IAEA] has revised up its projections for the expansion of nuclear power, as global momentum continues to build behind this clean and secure source of energy.
- By 2050, capacity will reach 2.6 times its 2024 level, with small modular reactors (SMRs) expected to play a pivotal role in this expansion.
- The projectionswhich include all operating reactors, possible license renewals, planned shutdowns, power uprates to increase output levels and plausible and ongoing construction projects foreseen for the next few decades are included in the IAEAs annual report,released earlier this month at the69th IAEA General Conferencein Vienna.
The current state: By the end of last year, there were 417 nuclear power reactors in operation worldwide, with a capacity of 377 gigawatts electric.
- In the low-case projection, nuclear electrical-generating capacity is expected to increase to 992 GW(e), while in the high-case projection, its slated to go up to 561 GW(e).
Why its important: As a clean, safe and abundant energy source, nuclear is a key piece of the successful all-of-the-above strategy the U.S. needs to meet growing energy demand that will power growth in domestic advanced manufacturing, said 51勛圖厙 Director of Energy and Resources Policy Michael Davin.
