Nuclear power must triple to meet climate targets

(CLO) A recent report by the World Nuclear Association emphasized that global nuclear capacity needs to triple to meet climate goals under the Paris Climate Agreement.

With the growing demand for electricity and clean energy, nuclear power is seen as a cost-effective and sustainable option to achieve carbon neutrality goals.

Dukovany nuclear power plant in Dukovany, Czech Republic. Photo: AP

Nuclear power currently accounts for about 10% of global electricity production, with about 440 nuclear reactors operating in more than 30 countries. Nuclear power is the second largest source of clean electricity generation after hydropower, playing an important role in reducing carbon emissions.

At the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) event in October 2024, experts discussed the role of nuclear power in Asia's energy transition.

Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General of the World Nuclear Energy Association, said nuclear energy is an ideal choice for decarbonizing the entire economy , and recommended rethinking assumptions about the technology's cost and safety.

While the initial cost of building a nuclear power plant is high, the subsequent operating costs are low and the plants can operate for 60 to 80 years. This has the long-term benefit of providing a stable power supply that is not dependent on weather, seasons or political situations.

However, safety concerns remain after major accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, along with challenges in managing radioactive waste. Despite this, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asserts that today's nuclear power plants are among the safest in the world.

In addition to conventional reactors, small countries like Singapore are looking into small modular reactors (SMRs) to address the issue of limited land space. SMRs are smaller in capacity, making them suitable for small, densely populated cities. These reactors can also be designed to float at sea, saving on land space.

Expanding nuclear capacity, including both large and small reactors, is seen by experts as essential if the world is serious about meeting the Paris Agreement climate goals.

Hong Hanh (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/dien-hat-nhan-phai-tang-gap-ba-lan-de-dat-duoc-muc-tieu-ve-khi-hau-post318031.html