9% of global electricity is generated from Nuclear

Nuclear energy is a form of low-carbon energy that harnesses the powerful reactions within atomic nuclei to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity. This clean and sustainable energy source is derived primarily from the process of nuclear fission, where heavy atomic nuclei such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 are split into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. Nuclear power plants are highly regulated and designed with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure the safe production and management of nuclear energy.

The basic process of generating electricity from nuclear energy involves using the heat produced by fission reactions to convert water into steam. The steam then drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. The used steam is condensed back into water and returned to the system in a closed loop, minimizing waste and ensuring efficiency. This method is remarkably similar to how fossil fuel power plants operate, but with the critical difference that nuclear plants emit almost no carbon dioxide during electricity production.

One of the key advantages of nuclear energy is its exceptionally low carbon intensity. At 12 g CO2eq/kWh, nuclear energy is among the lowest of all energy sources, rivaled only by other low-carbon sources such as wind (11 g CO2eq/kWh) and solar (45 g CO2eq/kWh). This makes nuclear energy a crucial player in the fight against climate change and air pollution, especially when compared to fossil fuels like coal (820 g CO2eq/kWh) and gas (490 g CO2eq/kWh), which have significantly higher carbon footprints.

Nuclear energy currently generates about 9% of all electricity consumed worldwide, underscoring its importance in the global energy mix. In some countries, the reliance on nuclear energy is even more pronounced. For instance, Finland generates 39% of its electricity from nuclear power, while in France, this figure is as high as 67%. Sweden and South Korea both utilize nuclear energy for 31% of their electricity needs, and Slovakia stands out with 60% of its electricity generated from nuclear power. These statistics highlight how nuclear energy can underwrite national energy security and contribute substantially to reducing carbon emissions.

Furthermore, nuclear energy complements other low-carbon sources like wind and solar, creating a robust, diversified energy mix that ensures reliability and stability. Wind energy, with its carbon intensity of 11 g CO2eq/kWh, harnesses the power of air currents and offers another clean electricity generation method. Similarly, solar energy captures sunlight and converts it into electricity with a carbon intensity of 45 g CO2eq/kWh. Together, these low-carbon technologies make a significant impact in reducing the overall carbon footprint of electricity generation and accelerating the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.

In summary, the proliferation of nuclear, wind, and solar energy is essential in reducing global carbon emissions and combating climate change. Particularly, nuclear energy, with its low carbon intensity, significant contribution to electricity generation in many countries, and complementarity with other low-carbon technologies, represents a cornerstone of the sustainable energy landscape. Promoting the expansion and integration of these clean energy sources is vital for achieving a low-carbon future.