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www.eibi.co.uk NUCLEAR ENERGY GROWTH
Nuclear sets new global record for electricity generation
Nuclear power stations generated more electricity in 2024 than ever before, according to the World Nuclear Performance Report 2025. The report found reactors worldwide produced 2,667 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, narrowly beating the previous record of 2,660 TWh set in 2006. The industry body behind the study,
the World Nuclear Association, said the milestone reflected both strong performance of existing plants and rapid growth in Asia, which has led global expansion. Of the 68 reactors commissioned over the past decade, 56 were built in Asian countries. Almost all of the 70 reactors now under construction are also located in the region, with construction on nine reactors starting in 2024, six in China and one each in Pakistan, Egypt and Russia. Reactor reliability remained high, with plants operating at an average capacity factor of 83% — a measure of output compared to maximum potential. This figure was higher than any other electricity source, the report said. Nuclear generation in 2024 was also
estimated to have prevented more than 2.1bn tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared with coal-fired power, almost double the annual footprint of global aviation. Seven new reactors began supplying
power last year, including three in China and others in the United Arab Emirates, France, India and the United States. The World Nuclear Association’s
director general, Dr Sama Bilbao y León, says the achievement was “a record that needs to be bettered again and again if nuclear is to meet future energy and climate goals. This is our chance to build a cleaner, more secure energy future for everyone everywhere, powered by reliable, low-carbon nuclear energy.”
Backing for higher energy standards
in rented homes British people overwhelmingly back requiring landlords to ensure higher energy standards for rented homes. According to a large opinion survey undertaken by YouGov, 84% of us endorse such intervention, and just 8% oppose. Support was greater amongst Lib Dem supporters (95%) but even 74% of potential Reform voters back such enforcement. Following a public consultation
under the Conservative government in 2020, higher standards requiring a minimum ‘C’ energy performance certificate for all rented homes had been set to become the law this year. However, without any explanation, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suddenly scrapped the entire concept in 2023. The Labour government has just concluded a repeat consultation exercise, seeking to reintroduce the upgrading, but not until 2030. There is also widespread support for
seeking to eliminate fuel poverty, the official goal of governments ever since the passage of the Warm Homes & Energy Conservation Act back in 2000.
NEWS UPDATE
Further endorsement from Britons for doing so emerged from the 77% positive response to a question asking about “providing government support for low income households to insulate their homes”. Again, only 18% opposed such
intervention, a response distorted by almost one-third of potential Reform voters opposing any such help for those likely to suffer from hypothermia this winter. Even one in five Conservative voters expressed hostility to trying to help those in fuel poverty.
The more radical concept of
introducing a social tariff, providing discounts on fuel bills for low-income households, was endorsed by 67% of respondents.
EIBI | SEPTEMBER 2025
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