The 1986 disaster at Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear power plant fueled global concerns about nuclear power and slowed its development in Europe and elsewhere, but now, four decades later, there is a renaissance of nuclear power around the world, a trend that was spurred by the war in the Middle East, writes The Associated Press.
More than 400 nuclear reactors are operational in 31 countries and another 70 or so are under construction. Nuclear energy produces about 10% of the world's electricity, equivalent to about a quarter of all energy sources with low carbon emissions, reports the Associated Press agency, cited by Agerpres.
Although the Chernobyl catastrophe and the 2011 Fukushima (Japan) nuclear disaster dampened the appetite for such energy sources, it was clear a few years ago that there would most likely be a revival, Fatih Birol, director of the International Energy Agency, told the AP. “It is seen as a safe system of electricity generation and we will see that the return of nuclear energy will be very strong, both in America and in Europe and in Asia,” said Birol.
EU admits 'strategic mistake'
The United States is the world's largest producer of nuclear power, with 94 operating reactors representing about 30% of global nuclear electricity production. And the US is ramping up efforts to develop nuclear power capacity, aiming to quadruple it by 2050.
China operates 61 nuclear reactors and is the world leader in building new units, with nearly 40 under construction, with the goal of overtaking the US and becoming the world leader in nuclear capacity.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has admitted that cutting back on nuclear power was a “strategic mistake” by Europe and presented new initiatives to encourage the building of power stations.
Meanwhile, Russia has taken an important role in exporting its nuclear know-how, building 20 reactors around the world.
Lessons from the past
Reactor no. 4 at Chernobyl exploded on April 26, 1986, while Ukraine was still part of the Soviet Union. The accident contaminated nearby areas and spread radiation throughout Europe.
Ukraine still relies heavily on nuclear power plants for nearly half of its electricity production. These plants played a vital role after Russia sent troops to Ukraine in 2022. Russian forces captured Ukraine's Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, and Kiev accused Russia of a drone attack on the protective structure covering the damaged Chernobyl reactor.
PHOTO: TARASOV / Avalon / Profimedia
Japan has restarted 15 reactors after analyzing the lessons learned from the earthquake and tsunami that damaged the Fukushima plant, and another 10 are in the process of getting approval to restart.
South Africa has the only nuclear power plant on the African continent, although Russia is building one in Egypt and several other African nations are exploring the technology.
“The momentum we're seeing today is the result of a growing recognition that reliable, low-carbon electricity will be essential to meeting growing global energy demand,” said Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The EU is now developing Small Modular Reactors
Europe tried to divest itself of Russian energy after the conflict in Ukraine, but its dependence on hydrocarbons was highlighted by the war in the Middle East. The European Commission has changed its perception of nuclear energy and considers it part of clean energy, along with wind and solar energy, to achieve climate goals.
In 1990, nuclear power accounted for about a third of Europe's electricity. Now it's about 15%, and Ursula von der Leyen has admitted that dependence on imported fossil fuels puts her at a disadvantage.
“I think it was a strategic mistake on the part of Europe to turn its back on a reliable and affordable source of energy with low emissions. In recent years, we have been witnessing a global renaissance of nuclear energy. And Europe wants to be part of it,” said the president of the European Commission recently.
The EU is considering the development of Small Modular Reactors. Expected to become operational in the early 2030s, they are considered cheaper, faster to build and more flexible than traditional reactors.
