IEA: Global nuclear energy generation to break record in 2025
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global nuclear energy generation will reach an all-time high in 2025, surpassing the previous record set in 2021. This increase is largely due to the commissioning of new reactors and the growing interest from data centers, which require stable and low-emission energy sources, according to NucNet.
Global nuclear growth
According to IEA projections, global nuclear energy generation will rise by 1.6% in 2024 and by 3.5% in 2025. China will play a key role in this growth, with a 9% increase in nuclear output driven by the activation of new reactors. The country currently operates 56 reactors, matching France and only surpassed by the United States, which has 94.
The IEA predicts that global nuclear energy generation will increase by 1.6% in 2024 and by 3.5% in 2025
The increase in nuclear energy in France is due to the reactivation of many reactors that had been shut down due to corrosion issues in 2021 and 2022. Once repaired, these reactors are now fully operational, providing nearly 65% of the country’s electricity.
Data centers explore nuclear energy
The IEA also highlights the growing influence of the data center industry in this growth. As these energy-intensive facilities seek reliable and low-emission sources, nuclear energy is emerging as an excellent alternative. In particular, small modular reactors (SMRs) are attracting the most interest.
Tech companies are seeking massive, reliable, and emission-free energy sources, such as nuclear
A good example is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which recently acquired a data center connected to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in the United States, with plans to expand its capacity through a 10-year power purchase agreement.
Other tech giants are also exploring nuclear energy options. Microsoft has signed an innovative agreement with Helion, a fusion energy company, to secure 50 MW by 2028. Equinix, a data center developer, has signed an agreement with Oklo, a company designing SMRs, to supply up to 500 MW.
The growing interest in nuclear energy from the tech sector underscores its crucial role as a massive, reliable, and low-emission energy source in an increasingly electrified world.
Source: www.nucnet.org
