International Energy Agency (IEA) Releases Report Titled ‘A New Era of Nuclear Energy’ 2025

International Energy Agency (IEA) Releases Report Titled ‘A New Era of Nuclear Energy’

The International Energy Agency (IEA), headquartered in Paris, France, is an autonomous organization established in 1974 to coordinate collective responses to major disruptions in oil supply.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Growing Acceptance: Over 40 countries are planning to increase the role of nuclear power in their energy systems.

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): SMR installations could reach 80 GW by 2040, representing 10% of global nuclear capacity.

• Rising Investment: Annual investment in nuclear energy is expected to double to $120 billion by 2030.

• Emerging Economies as Market Leaders: As of the end of 2024, there are 63 nuclear reactors under construction, with three-quarters of them located in emerging economies, and half of these in China alone.

Significance of Nuclear Energy:

• Energy Security: Nuclear power contributed 9% to global electricity generation in 2023.

• Low-Emissions Source: Nuclear energy is the second-largest source of low-emissions electricity in 2023, after hydropower.

• Heat Source: Nuclear reactors provide dual benefits, generating both thermal energy and electricity.

• Opportunities in Developing Economies: Nuclear energy accounted for just 5% of total electricity generation in developing economies in 2023, compared to 17% in advanced economies.

Challenges:

• Safety and Security: The Fukushima Daiichi accident following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake remains a major concern.

• Other Issues: High construction and financing costs, as well as the decommissioning and disposal of radioactive materials, are significant challenges.

Recommendations Efficient and diversified supply chains to address operational disruptions. Encourage private sector participation, green bonds and other green debt instruments to strengthen financial environment. Enhanced regulation to ensure environmental and structural safety of the projects.

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