SPECIAL FEATURE
transition while also helping countries reach their SDGs. With enhanced safety features,
extending the operation of existing nuclear power plants beyond their original design lifetimes represents a cost-effective opportunity for low- carbon electricity production. Lifetime extensions contribute significantly and immediately to climate change mitigation.
OFQ: Where do you see the future of nuclear power in the global energy mix? Mikhail Chudakov: Overall, nuclear power capacity has seen a small increase in recent years. While some countries have reduced or phased out nuclear power, Asia continues to be the center of growth. But countries in other regions have also introduced nuclear power plants into their energy mix. Last year, Belarus and the United Arab Emirates joined the family of nuclear power operating countries. Over 50 countries have expressed
interest in introducing nuclear power. Ten to 12 newcomers might be introducing it by 2035, enlarging the group of 32 currently operating Member States by around 30 percent. In 2019, nuclear power generated 392
gigawatts (electrical) or 10.4 percent of global electricity. In its 2020 projections,
under the high-case scenario, the IAEA expects an increase of global nuclear electrical generating capacity by 82 percent – 715 GW(e) by 2050 – corresponding to 11 percent of global electricity generation. Under the low-case scenario, assuming
limited long-term operation of existing power plants and fewer new projects than currently projected, capacity will fall by 7 percent to 363 GW(e), representing a 6 percent share of 2050 global electricity generation.
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Small Modular Reactors [...] may play a key role in the clean energy transition while also helping countries reach their SDGs.
Mikhail Chudakov
OFQ: What other uses of nuclear technologies can contribute to a sustainable future (… seawater desalination, hydrogen production, district heating and various industrial applications)? Mikhail Chudakov: Non-electric applications powered by nuclear energy could present sustainable solutions for several energy challenges. The idea of “nuclear beyond electricity” will be key to helping the world decarbonize sectors that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Examples include energy-intensive industries, heavy transport and the heating and cooling of buildings. • Hydrogen is increasingly being seen as a critical enabler of the clean energy transition. Nuclear power can produce hydrogen around the clock without generating harmful emissions.
• Nuclear power plants already provide district heating in some countries. Advanced nuclear power plants could supply high-temperature steam to help decarbonize industries, such as concrete production.
• Nuclear desalination also has been demonstrated to be a viable option to meet the growing demand for potable water around the globe. It provides hope for better water supply to areas in arid and semi-arid zones that face acute shortages.
IMAGE: RobertCop93/
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