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.
0.0 Gt
of global emissions per year is avoided by using nuclear power (IEA)
0
reactors are operating around the world, providing 395 GWe of civil nuclear power capacity, almost 97 GWe of which is located in the US (World Nuclear Association)
About 0%
of all radioactive waste from nuclear power by volume is highly radioactive and requires permanent isolation from the environment (World Nuclear Association)
About 0%
share of world electricity generation is from nuclear power (IEA)
What's new?
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...
Good news for UK nuclear industry as government lays out billions
11th June 2025
The UK government will spend £14.2bn to build the twin-reactor Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk. It will become the majority shareholder, alo...
Global energy investment is set to rise to $3.3tn in 2025 amid economic uncertainty and energy security concerns
11th June 2025
Investment in clean technologies – renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, low-emission fuels, efficiency and electrification – is on course to hit $2.2t...
World-first for Canada as global interest in SMR surges
21st May 2025
Western-world SMR first for CanadaGE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) and Ontario Power Generation are planning to build what is claim...
Clean energy puts China’s CO2 emissions into reverse
21st May 2025
Findings of the report, published in Carbon Brief, show that China’s emissions were down 1.6% year-on-year in 1Q2025 and by 1% in the latest 12 months...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...