Open Nuclear Reactor

With nuclear power facing an uncertain future in many countries, the world risks a steep decline in its use in advanced economies that could result in billions of tonnes of additional carbon emissions. Some countries have opted out of nuclear power in light of concerns about safety and other issues. Many others, however, still see a role for nuclear in their energy transitions but are not doing enough to meet their goals. Nuclear power and hydropower form the backbone of low-carbon electricity generation. Together, they provide three-quarters of global low-carbon generation. Over the past 50 years, the use of nuclear power has reduced CO2 emissions by over 60 gigatonnes – nearly two years’ worth of global energy-related emissions. However, in advanced economies, nuclear power has begun to fade, with plants closing and little new investment made, just when the world requires more low-carbon electricity. Without action, nuclear power in advanced economies could fall by two thirds by 2040. Achieving the pace of CO2 emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement is already a huge challenge. It requires large increases in efficiency and renewables investment, as well as an increase in nuclear power. This project aims to encourage new nuclear technologies to be developed.