Nuclear power

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Nuclear power supplies around 10% of global electricity

Nuclear power is generated by controlled nuclear fission within reactors, where uranium or plutonium atoms are split, releasing energy to produce electricity. Originating in the 1950s, nuclear power emits minimal greenhouse gases, comparable to renewables. However, it is capital-intensive and regulated due to the radioactive materials involved.

The history of nuclear power includes major accidents like Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011), leading to varying national policies, from France’s heavy reliance on nuclear energy to Germany’s nuclear phase-out in 2023. Long-term disposal of nuclear waste remains unresolved, challenging public acceptance.

Research on nuclear fusion, a potentially safer alternative, and small modular reactors is ongoing but not yet commercially viable. The future of nuclear power is uncertain, influenced by costs, sustainability, and waste management challenges.

Learn more about nuclear power by reading our Energy Insights.

For the latest news and articles on the transport sector read New Energy World.

Read energy professional's thoughts on the future of nuclear in our Energy Barometer.

What's new?

UK government abandons Moroccan HVDC megaproject plan

2nd July 2025

The Xlinks Morocco-to-UK power project is an ambitious private sector-led proposal which aimed to supply clean power to the UK via the world’s longest...

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Latest Statistical Review of World Energy signposts age of energy additions

26th June 2025

In a year when average air temperatures consistently breached the 1.5°C warming threshold, global CO₂-equivalent emissions from energy rose by 1%, mar...

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US utility trials 50-50 hydrogen/natural gas mix in CCGT

25th June 2025

‘Hydrogen fuel in gas turbines is seen as a promising bridge to a low/zero carbon future power system,’ explains Mitsubishi Power. ‘Since it contains ...

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Voltage missteps triggered the Iberian power outage, says Spanish government – but little consensus exists on who is responsible

25th June 2025

Presenting the incident report to Spain’s Council of Ministers last week, Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge Sara Aagese...

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Down, down, down: new drilling technologies are improving prospects for geothermal power by reducing project duration, cutting costs and drilling deeper wells

18th June 2025

  Fervo Energy drills a 15,000-foot, 500°F geothermal wellHouston-based Fervo Energy has announced the successful drilling and logging of it...

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Events and training

Human Factors Foundation - October 2025

6th October 2025 - 10th October 2025

This 5-day course delivers a comprehensive introduction into human factors for non-specialists. It provides a practical, engaging and interactive back...

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Technical guidance publications

EI 3251

Engaging contractors: Partnership approaches to improving safety in the power industry

June 2022

This publication was developed in response to demand from operators and contractors within the power generation sector, recognising that the safe and ...

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IP 392: Determination of aromatic hydrogen and carbon content - High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy method

January 2020

This method covers the determination of aromatic hydrogen and aromatic carbon contents of hydrocarbon oils. These include kerosines, gas oils, mineral...

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EI 3390

Guidance on managing process safety in decommissioning projects

July 2019

This publication is intended to provide guidance on managing process safety within decommissioning projects generally within the energy sector, with m...

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EI 3383

Human and organisational factors in end of service life and decommissioning

February 2019

This document is freely available to all registered users of this site.Health, safety, wellbeing and performance of those working on sites, both on an...

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EI 3359

Assessing and managing the risk of arc flash

May 2018

The objective of this publication is to provide a practical approach to the management of arc flash risk within electrical installations. It provides ...

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