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Department of Nuclear Energy
International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power
27 February 2009 - International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power describes the growing interest in nuclear power around the world, current projections about its future, new technological developments and the challenges faced in different countries. The report, originally requested by the IAEA’s General Conference in response to the growing number of IAEA Member States interested in nuclear power, has now been published as a separate booklet for a broader audience.
In 2008, nuclear power supplied about 14% of the world’s electricity. At the end of the year, 438 reactors in 30 countries were in operation and another 44 reactors were under construction. Projections ranged from a 27% increase in nuclear power by 2030 to a 100% increase.
International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power summarizes information about countries that have expressed interest in introducing nuclear power and have approached the IAEA for assistance. In addition to electricity generation, it discusses the possible use of nuclear energy for seawater desalination, industrial and district heat, and even transportation based on synthetic fuels, hydrogen or partially electric cars. It reviews key issues and trends affecting the expansion of nuclear power, specifically:
- safety and reliability
- economic competitiveness and financing
- public perception
- human resources
- spent fuel and waste management
- transport
- proliferation risks and nuclear security
- infrastructure building in new nuclear countries
- relationship between electricity grids and reactor technology
- effective use of available resources
- reactor design innovation, and
- fuel cycle innovation.
International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power is intended to provide a concise summary of all these issues, in accessible language, for readers interested in drawing their own conclusions about renewed interest in nuclear power.
Related Links:
International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power Booklet
Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates for the Period up to 2030
The Nuclear Technology Review 2008
Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power
Considerations to Launch a Nuclear Power Programme
Climate Change and Nuclear Power