Nuclear power generation to grow at a faster rate since 1990

KOLKATA: World Nuclear Association estimates global nuclear power capacities to grow over till 2040 at a faster rate than at any time since 1990, increasing mainly due to extensive reactor building programmes in China, India and other countries in Asia.

The Association has revised its projections for nuclear generating capacity growth upwards for the first time in eight years following introduction of more favourable policies in a number of countries.

“French energy policy has been modified, delaying planned reduction of nuclear power in the share of its electricity mix by allowing operating lifetime extensions of existing reactors beyond 40 years. In the USA, state legislatures are starting to pass measures that support the continued operation of reactors, recognizing the valuable role of nuclear in providing low-carbon electricity. At the same time, the process of granting a second operating licence extension for US nuclear reactors has begun, allowing reactors to operate for 80 years,” the Association said in a statement.

Both China and India have extensive nuclear expansion programmes and the prospects for new reactors in many countries have improved with several newcomer countries such as Turkey, Bangladesh and Egypt launching construction projects and several more, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Poland, demonstrating a clear interest in developing nuclear programmes.

It has projected capacity to grow to 569 GWe by 2040 under a moderate estimate. A above moderate estimate puts the capacity to almost double to 776 GWe. For a less than moderate scenario, nuclear capacity essentially maintains its current level over the forecast period at 402 GWe.

Director General Agneta Rising said, "Achieving the Harmony goal of supplying 25% of the world's electricity before 2050 will require a rapid ramp-up of new nuclear build …higher than projected, which in turn would lead to the need of greater amounts of uranium, enrichment, fuel fabrication, transport and used fuel services. Nuclear fuel cycle participants should be prepared to meet a potential large increase in demand to meet the Harmony goal."

The global nuclear industry’s Harmony goal aims to achieve a 25% share of nuclear power in world electricity supply before 2050, to support the world in keeping global temperature increases well below 2 °C.