Renaissance of nuclear power: In these countries they are relying on the atom

Renaissance of nuclear power: In these countries they are relying on the atom

New kilns
Nuclear power is back: In these countries they are relying on the atom






The demand for electricity is increasing, and low-emission supplies are in greater demand. That’s why the IEA predicts a renaissance in nuclear power – including in many of Germany’s neighboring countries.

Nuclear power is poised for a global comeback amid rising demand for electricity. This is the result of a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Interest in nuclear energy is at its highest since the oil crisis in the 1970s, and more than 40 countries are striving to expand nuclear energy, the IEA said in Paris.

There is a significantly higher demand for electricity not only in classic sectors such as industry, but also in new areas such as the operation of electric cars and data centers and the use of artificial intelligence.

Electricity production from the global fleet of nearly 420 reactors will reach a new high in 2025, the IEA said.

Nuclear power generation is growing

Even though some countries are phasing out nuclear energy or shutting down their plants prematurely, global electricity generation from nuclear power plants is increasing: Japan is resuming production, maintenance work on nuclear power plants in France has been completed – and completely new reactors, including in China, India and Korea and Europe, went into operation.

Nuclear energy accounts for almost ten percent of global electricity generation and is the second largest source of low-emission electricity after hydropower.

However, the expansion of nuclear power relies heavily on Chinese and Russian technology and resources such as uranium, which poses the risk of future dependencies, said the IEA. China is making significant gains, while traditional nuclear power countries such as the USA and France are struggling with delays and cost increases in the modernization of their nuclear power plants.

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Private investors needed

Even if nuclear power is traditionally based on state financing, private investors are also needed for a rapid expansion of nuclear energy, explained the IEA. Rapid expansion means that investments in nuclear power worldwide will have to double to around 117 billion euros by 2030.

Note: This photo series first appeared on January 13, 2023, was updated and thematically rewritten to reflect the IEA study.

Sources: News agencies DPA, AFP and , , , , , , , , , , ,

Source: Stern

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