Jakarta – Nuclear energy continues to play an important role in global electricity supply and is projected to grow significantly through 2050. According to the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released on Monday, September 16, 2024, nuclear energy will experience substantial capacity increases over the next few decades.
The report titled “Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Forecasts to 2050” puts forward two scenarios for global nuclear growth. In the low case scenario, global nuclear power generation capacity is expected to grow by about 40% from 372 Gigawatts (GW) in 2023 to 514 GW in 2050. In the high-case scenario, the capacity could reach up to 950 GW, almost three times the current capacity.
“This report shows that there is great potential for nuclear energy in the future. With the right policy support, investment in infrastructure, and adequate workforce development, nuclear energy can be the key to achieving global clean energy targets,” said IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi in a statement.
Grossi also emphasized that the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology will be an important factor in increasing nuclear energy capacity in the future. SMRs, which are known to be more flexible and cost-effective than conventional large reactors, are expected to play a vital role in the deployment of nuclear power to more countries and regions.
By the end of 2023, there will be 413 nuclear reactors in operation worldwide, with an additional 59 reactors under construction. The capacity of these reactors under construction reached 61.1 GW. According to the report, nuclear energy accounted for about 9.2% of total global electricity production in 2023, making it one of the important low-carbon energy sources.
This growth is in line with the increasing global recognition of the importance of nuclear energy as a clean and safe energy source. Countries with green energy policies are beginning to shift their focus on nuclear as part of a reliable and sustainable energy solution. The IAEA also stressed the importance of support from governments and the private sector to accelerate the construction of new nuclear plants and the modernization of existing reactors.
Nonetheless, the IAEA emphasized that achieving the highest scenario requires supportive national policies, better investment in the electricity grid, and the development of a workforce trained in nuclear energy.
With these developments, nuclear energy is expected to continue to be one of the key pillars in the global energy transition towards a cleaner, low-carbon future. The main challenge faced is how to optimally utilize this potential while maintaining energy security and sustainability amid increasing world electricity demand. (Hartatik)
