Role of Nuclear Energy in Achieving Global Climate Goals

As the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change, nuclear energy has emerged as a crucial component of the global strategy. Today, nuclear power accounts for 10% of the world’s clean electricity and almost half of the low-carbon electricity in the United States. With the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, nuclear energy is expected to play an increasingly vital role.

Nuclear energy isn’t just low-carbon—it’s versatile. It powers everything from city grids to NASA missions like the Mars Perseverance rover. Over the past 50 years, nuclear power has already cut more than 60 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions, making it a key player in the fight against climate change.

Nuclear and Renewables: A Powerful Partnership

A study across 15 OECD countries from 1990 to 2018 showed that nuclear investments significantly reduced CO₂ emissions. Countries like Canada, Japan and the UK saw notable declines. This synergy between nuclear and renewable energy is essential for a cleaner future. For instance, in 2022, the United States avoided 24.4 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions and the European Union avoided 21.4 gigatonnes, showcasing nuclear energy’s powerful impact on the environment.

In 2019, global CO2 emissions stabilized, partly due to the increased adoption of nuclear and renewables. With 440 reactors in operation across 30 countries, nuclear power remains a reliable energy source that contributes to global emission reduction.

co2 emissions avoided by nuclear by country or region 1971-2022

EMDEs = emerging market and developing economies, including China. Avoided emissions are calculated starting from 1971.

Global Energy Needs and the Role of Nuclear Power

Nuclear energy’s critical role in reducing emissions is increasingly evident as the world strive to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 C. In 2023, nuclear plants supplied 2602 (TWh) of electricity, an increase from 2,545 TWh in 2022, emphasising nuclear power’s growing contribution to meeting global energy needs.

OECD countries are responsible for 41% of the world’s energy use. These economies lead in nuclear energy capacity, generating 85% of the world’s nuclear power. The combination of nuclear and renewable energy in these countries is essential for meeting emission reduction targets and ensuring energy security.

Nuclear power and hydropower together provide three-quarters of global low-carbon electricity generation. Over the past 50 years, nuclear power has prevented over 60 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions. However, the future of nuclear energy depends on several factors, including public perception, government policies, and technological advancements.

Global Nuclear Expansion

When the global population grows and urbanises, energy demands are expected to increase significantly. Meeting this demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a considerable challenge. Global energy-related CO₂ emissions reached a record high of 37.4 gigatonnes in 2023. Nuclear energy, with its low carbon emissions, is a vital solution to this challenge.

With 440 nuclear reactors operating across 30 countries and 54 under construction, nuclear power remains a reliable energy source. It operates almost continuously, unlike variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which require backups during periods of low output. France generates approximately 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy, while countries like Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungry rely on nuclear power for about half of their electricity.

Nuclear generation by country 2023 (World Nuclear Association, IAEA PRIS)

China’s Nuclear Expansion Towards Climate Targets

China’s journey into nuclear energy is significant not only because it displays the rapid industrialisation and technological advancements of a latecomer but also because it highlights the global implications of its energy strategies. Being one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and the most populous country, China’s energy choices profoundly impact global efforts to combat climate change. The success of China’s nuclear energy program could provide a blueprint for other developing nations seeking to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

China’s foray into nuclear energy began in the mid-1980s, decades behind other major economies like the United States and France. Despite this late start, China has rapidly become a global leader in nuclear power, driven by strategies imperatives of ensuring energy security and meeting ambitious climate targets.

Key elements of China’s Nuclear Energy Strategy Include:

Rapid expansion: China is currently the world’s fastest-growing nuclear power producer, with an installed capacity of 57 gigawatts (GW) as of mid-2023. The country has 23 nuclear reactors under construction, totalling over 21 GW of additional capacity, and approved the construction of 16 new reactors between 2022 and 2023.

Cost Efficient: Chinese nuclear plants are built at a fraction of the cost compared to those in the US and Europe, with costs per kilowatt of installed capacity estimated to be around one-third of those in the West. This is partly due to China’s “design-one, build, many” approach, in which standardised reactors are designed to reduce costs.

Technological Innovation: China has become a leading innovator in nuclear technology. In 2021, it was the first country to connect a Generation IV reactor to the grid and has developed small-scale nuclear-powered district heating projects in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces.

Government Support: The Chinese government has played a pivotal role in expanding nuclear energy through financial subsidies, favourable pricing mechanisms, and a supportive regulatory environment. This includes a guaranteed tariff for nuclear power higher than coal-fired or hydroelectric power rates.

Challenges and Future Outlook

China’s nuclear expansion has been implemented through domestic construction and strategic international partnerships. However, China faces significant challenges in its nuclear ambitions. Security concerns and project delays have hindered efforts to export nuclear technology to countries like the UK and Argentina. Additionally, China’s aspirations in the nuclear sector are constrained by global competition, particularly from established nuclear powers like Russia. Moreover, China’s non-participation in the IAEA Vienna Convention further limits its ability to compete effectively on the world stage.

China’s nuclear energy capacity has grown more than fourfold in the past decade, from 98 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2012 to 418 TWh in 2022. Despite this growth, nuclear power still accounts for only 5 % of China’s electricity mix, compared to a global average of 9%. Nonetheless, China is expected to become the world’s largest nuclear energy producer by 2030, with a projected capacity of 100 GW by 2030 and potentially 300 GW by 2035.

Nuclear energy is a vital component of the global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its role in stabilising and reducing CO₂ emissions, combined with renewable energy, presents the most effective approach to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As global energy demand continues to rise, nuclear power offers a reliable, low-carbon solution crucial for meeting future needs while mitigating the impacts of climate change.