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?

Google makes its first investment in long-duration energy storage

6th August 2025

Google says that energy storage is vital to achieving its ambition to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy on every grid where it operates by 2030. It has b...

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Czech development just the latest news in a booming small modular (nuclear) reactor market

30th July 2025

  Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ sign early works agreement for Czech Republic SMRRolls-Royce SMR and Czech utility ČEZ have signed an early works ...

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UK government takes final investment decision on Sizewell C nuclear plant

23rd July 2025

The project was originally planned to be funded by a consortium of EDF and Chinese nuclear developer CGN. However, delays at sister project Hinkley Po...

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Power plant transformations provide a boost to the energy transition in Taiwan and the UK

16th July 2025

The first of three new gas-fired combined cycle blocks at Taiwan Power Company Nan Bu Construction Organization (TPC NPCO)’s Hsinta power plant in Kao...

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Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ blows big hole in US emissions target

9th July 2025

According to estimates based on modelling by Princeton University’s REPEAT Project, passage of the Bill will add an extra 7bn tonnes of greenhouse gas...

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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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