9% of global electricity is generated from Nuclear

Nuclear energy, a powerful and efficient source of electricity, is derived from the nuclear reactions that occur in the core of a reactor. Through the process of nuclear fission, atomic nuclei, typically uranium-235 or plutonium-239, are split into smaller parts. This releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat. The energy produced by nuclear reactions is incredibly dense, meaning a small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a large amount of energy. This makes nuclear a compelling option for providing a stable and substantial supply of electricity to power grids worldwide.

The process of generating electricity using nuclear energy begins with nuclear fission in a reactor. The heat produced by this reaction is used to convert water into steam in a steam generator. This steam then drives a turbine connected to a generator, which produces electricity. After passing through the turbine, the steam is cooled down and turned back into water to be cycled back into the system. This process of converting nuclear energy into electricity is clean and highly efficient, emitting no direct greenhouse gases during operation. The minimal emissions associated with nuclear power make it an excellent choice for nations looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Nuclear energy stands out for its incredibly low carbon intensity, at merely 12 gCO2eq/kWh. This is comparable to the clean energy generated by wind and solar, which have carbon intensities of 11 and 45 gCO2eq/kWh, respectively. These low numbers starkly contrast with fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, which emit significantly higher levels of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution. The low carbon emissions of nuclear, along with other clean energy sources like wind and solar, are critical in driving the global transition towards a more sustainable and less polluting energy supply.

Globally, nuclear energy contributes to about 9% of the electricity consumed, showcasing its significant role in the energy landscape. In several regions, nuclear stands as a cornerstone of electricity generation. For example, more than half of the electricity in New Hampshire, Illinois, and South Carolina is generated from nuclear sources. Alabama and Finland also rely heavily on nuclear, with close to a third and almost 40% of their electricity coming from this source, respectively. These examples underscore the potential of nuclear energy to provide large-scale and reliable low-carbon electricity.

The advantages of nuclear energy are not just limited to its low-carbon profile and substantial contribution to the electricity mix in numerous places. Its scalability means nuclear can be expanded to meet growing electricity demand, anticipated from advancements in technology and increases in electrification, such as electric vehicles and new industrial processes. With its stability and consistent power generation capabilities, nuclear energy provides a reliable backbone for clean energy strategies worldwide, complementing the variable nature of other low-carbon sources like wind and solar.

As we move forward, the importance of clean electricity cannot be overstated. The ongoing and anticipated demands from the electrification of transport, heating, and the growth of technology sectors like AI underline the need for a substantial increase in low-carbon electricity generation. Nuclear, alongside solar and wind, is poised to meet this challenge, offering a sustainable path towards reducing the carbon footprint of our energy systems and ensuring a brighter, cleaner future.