UK-based company World Nuclear Association has launched its report revealing major metrics on nuclear power plant performance and recent developments in the nuclear industry.
Primary findings discussed in the report show the number of nuclear reactors that came on-line or began construction last year was higher than any time in the last 25 years. It was also shown consistent improvement in reactor performance over the last 35 years.
It was found reactor performance did not depend on age, as older plants operate as efficiently as newer plants. The study also revealed construction times for new reactors have improved over the last 15 years, with an average of 6 years for projects completed last year.
World Nuclear Association’s director general Agneta Rising said: "This report shows despite challenging market conditions in some regions, existing nuclear plant performance is strong and the pace of new build is accelerating."
Despite new build levels being at a 25-year high, the rate of new grid connections will have to be significantly enhanced to help in global economic growth, alleviate energy poverty, and supply enough clean energy to sufficiently meet agreed climate change targets.
According to the organisation, there should be a construction of 1,000GWe of new nuclear energy by 2050, with nuclear generation supply meeting 25% of the electricity demand worldwide.
Image: World Nuclear Association says that there should be a construction of 1,000GWe of new nuclear energy by 2050. Photo: courtesy of marin.
