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.
For the latest news and articles on the nuclear sector, read New Energy World.
Read energy professional's thoughts on the future of nuclear in our Energy Barometer.
31
countries use nuclear energy to generate electricity with nuclear providing around 20% of global low-carbon electricity (World Nuclear Association)
0
operable reactors at the end of 2024 (World Nuclear Association)
0TWh
of electricity was generated by nuclear power plants in 2024 (World Nuclear Association)
≅0%
share of world electricity generation is from nuclear power (IEA)
New Energy World stories
France publishes roadmap to phase out fossil fuels by 2050
11th May 2026
The 14-page strategy does not unveil any new commitments but consolidates existing French climate and energy policies into a single framework with def...
US government promotes LNG abroad and at home
5th May 2026
A Department of Energy statement said that the US ‘is on track’ to more than double LNG exports in the next decade. It quoted Secretary Wright as...
UK government attempts to weaken dependence of electricity price on gas
27th April 2026
Speaking at the Good Growth Foundation’s National Growth Debate, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: ‘The structure of our energy system means that tod...
Solar and wind compensate for drop in fossil-fired power generation during Hormuz closure
21st April 2026
The main driver of this decline was a 4% reduction in gas-fired power generation, driven by supply constraints and higher prices resulting from the bl...
Rolls-Royce signs deal with UK government body to bring three SMRs to Wylfa
20th April 2026
Rolls-Royce SMR said that the two-stage contract will enable site-specific design activity and preparations for the site build at Wylfa, as well as al...
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 ...