|
Countries around the world are turning to nuclear energy to meet future needs because of concerns about resource availability, climate impacts and energy security. Their efforts reflect the growing awareness that energy resource materials are finite and that climate change requires thoughtful approaches to meeting increasing demand without contributing to global warming. Political vulnerabilities and unpredictable fossil fuel prices have also led industry and governments to look for alternatives. Global nuclear power generating capacity in 2007 increased at a rate of six times that of the previous year, while the number of planned and proposed nuclear power plants also increased.
International Progress in Nuclear Energy
A variety of agencies around the world routinely track the operations of existing nuclear power plants and monitor the progress of new plants either under construction or at some stage in the planning process.
The World Nuclear Association reports that about 34 reactors (pdf) are currently under construction, notably in China, India, Japan, Russia and South Korea. The International Atomic Energy Agency expects at least 60 new plants to be built worldwide in the next 15 years. In the U.S., industry is making plans to build more than 30 new reactors over the next decade. Among the reasons these nations are considering nuclear energy in their electric power portfolios include efficiency – physical, economic and environmental.
Expanded Use of Nuclear Energy Worldwide
Map of existing nuclear plants and countries planning to build new plants
Nuclear and Other Energy Information
|
