The Future of Nuclear Energy: Can it Power a Clean and Safe Tomorrow?
- dfilipenco
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Today, one in 11 people in the world lacks access to electricity. Vital to eradicating poverty, this represents a significant improvement compared to a decade ago when it was one in eight people, but progress is still needed.
Providing accessible and clean energy is one of the central sustainable goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, but how can countries achieve this while minimizing the massive levels of CO2 emissions caused by the energy generation sector, which lead to climate change?
With almost half of the energy sector’s CO2 emissions being a result of electricity generation, is the answer to increase the share of nuclear energy?
This article explores the pros and cons of nuclear energy, highlights the main market changes, and explores the role of expert networks in facilitating the adoption of nuclear technology.
Last year, almost 10% of the electricity generated worldwide and 20% of the electricity produced in Europe came from nuclear power, with this predicted to increase by around 3% in 2025 and 2026 at a global level, according to the International Energy Agency.
This increase will be fueled by increased output in France, the reopening of nuclear plants in Japan, and the launch of new reactors in China, India, and Europe.
Nuclear’s Environmental and Grid Reliability Benefits
Among the many important environmental benefits of nuclear energy is its incredibly low lifecycle carbon emissions.
In the face of growing electricity needs brought about by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and data centers, nuclear power can continually provide dependable baseload power which is essential for stable energy networks.
Despite certain doubts, nuclear power is increasingly being recognized as crucial to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Environmental benefits of nuclear energy
1. Emits ~12g CO₂eq/kWh, which is similar to wind and lower than solar generation
2. Less acidification and eutrophication risks compared to fossil fuel combustion.
Burning fossil fuels leads to higher levels of acidic chemicals being released that are absorbed by the oceans, degrade in the water, and then damage coral and shellfish through acidification.
It also contributes to an increasingly rich-in-nutrient environment leading to excessive algae growth, known as eutrophication.
3. Nuclear plants have the smallest land footprint – a two-unit plant can provide power to 4-5 million people while occupying only 2 km² of land. Moreover, nuclear plants built near seashores can use seawater for cooling, which ultimately reduces the use of fresh water.
4. Nuclear plants are powered by uranium, which involves fewer mining activities and less transport waste compared to coal (200t vs. 3M tons annually).
Social and economic benefits
The almost-zero air pollution prevents human death – since nuclear power plants began operating in 1971, over 1.8 million deaths have been avoided.
Personnel at nuclear power plants are exposed to lower levels of radiation compared to miners working in the coal industry.
The nuclear energy sector creates long-term (up to 60 years of plant operation cycle) high-skilled jobs with around 500-1,000 employees per plant.
Policy and Financial Support
One of the disadvantages of nuclear energy generation is the high cost of building a power plant. Despite this, the level of investment is on the rise, and financial institutions around the world are welcoming nuclear projects.
However, to meet the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) prediction for the required nuclear capacity in 2050, global investment must increase to US$125 billion annually.
Major banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, pledged support during COP28 and New York Climate Week in 2023, citing nuclear energy as essential to reaching global net-zero emissions by 2050.
The following year, in 2024, at the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050, previously signed by 25 countries, was endorsed by a further six nations – El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Nigeria, and Turkey.
Global Expansion and Emerging Markets
There are several nuclear projects currently underway in various countries that are seeking to improve their energy security while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Indonesia plans to begin the construction of its first nuclear plant in 2032, aiming to contribute 5.3 GW to the country’s current capacity.
Malaysian authorities revealed in late 2024 that efforts towards its nuclear power capabilities would be revived
Kazakhstan is expected to make important decisions about building up to three nuclear power plants.
Poland plans to begin operating its first commercial nuclear power station in 2036, with construction work expected to start in 2028.
Ghana's dedication to sustainable energy is demonstrated by its goal of building its first 1 GW nuclear plant by 2030.
South Africa, which runs Africa's only nuclear power station, Koeberg, aims to expand its capacity by establishing a new 2.5 GW plant.
Turkey’s goal is to have 20 GW of nuclear power by 2050. It plans to strengthen its strategic partnerships, hoping to build its second nuclear plant with Russia and eyeing a third with China.
India's 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors are another regional innovation, allowing decentralized nuclear power production to satisfy industrial and community demands.
Main Challenges and Safety Regulations
Because of past nuclear accidents and waste management issues, many people continue to express concerns about the building of new nuclear plants. Nuclear power's growth is also hampered by complicated regulations and costly start-up expenses.
Countries that are focusing on nuclear power must therefore employ effective communication, show transparency, and ensure the highest safety standards to increase people’s trust.
Expert networks are an excellent way to remain up-to-date with the latest regulations.
One of the best ways to get in touch with experts in the field of nuclear energy is to contact RightAngle – an expert network that helps to find relevant and niche experts who can offer invaluable insights for better decision-making and advice about entering new markets.
Nuclear energy's environmental reputation can be further improved by using cutting-edge recycling technologies and safe disposal techniques to handle waste.
Ultimately, advanced technologies, pro-nuclear legislation, and growing international collaboration will enable nuclear technology to significantly advance in the future.
Final word
Nuclear energy has a bright future thanks to advances in technology and growing international acceptability, but in order to fully benefit from nuclear energy’s potential, it will take a collective effort at the international level, which must include efficient waste management systems, well-defined legal frameworks, strategic international partnerships, and continual innovation.