Future Prospects for Nuclear Power in a Changing World

As global demand for electricity grows, driven by the rise of electric vehicles and the expansion of data centers, attention is once again turning to nuclear power as an essential part of the energy mix. This renewed focus includes not only constructing new nuclear facilities but also extending the lifespan of existing plants and potentially reopening previously decommissioned ones. Initiatives are underway to innovate reactor designs, with 2025 earmarked for the transition of advanced reactors from theoretical concepts to actual construction.

A Global Patchwork

In recent years, the international community has shown increased commitment to nuclear power, highlighted by an agreement at the UN climate talks where 31 nations pledged to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. However, the future of nuclear power varies significantly across different regions.

The United States currently leads the world with the most operational nuclear reactors. Achieving the pledge to triple capacity would require adding nearly 200 gigawatts to the current 100 gigawatts. This figure doesn't account for replacing any anticipated retirements from the aging fleet. Despite this ambitious target, progress in the U.S. has been slow. Although a new reactor at the Vogtle plant in Georgia began operations last year, there are currently no conventional reactors under construction or under regulatory review.