Asia leading the way with new nuclear

Press release issued 23 October 2017

Today, World Nuclear Association launches a special update to its 2017 World Nuclear Performance Report focusing on developments in Asia.

The report provides key metrics on nuclear power plant performance and reviews recent developments in the global nuclear industry.

Key findings include:

• Ten reactors came online in 2016, matching the total for 2015, this is more than double the annual average for the previous 25 years.
• Eight of the ten new reactors are situated in Asia, with five in China and one each in India, Pakistan and South Korea.
• Nuclear generation in Asia has grown by 35% since 2012.
• In the last ten years nuclear generation has more than doubled in India and Pakistan and more than tripled in China
• Two-thirds of the reactors under construction globally are being built in the Asia region, with more than one third in China alone.

Speaking at the launch of the report at Singapore International Energy Week 2017, Jonathan Cobb, World Nuclear Association Senior Communication Manager said, “This report shows that Asia is leading the way in bringing new nuclear plants online. We need to build on this positive trend to accelerate the deployment of new nuclear capacity in Asia and worldwide.”

Even though new build levels are at a 25 year high, the rate of new grid connections will have to increase significantly to support global economic growth, alleviate energy poverty and provide enough clean energy to meet agreed climate change targets.

The nuclear industry’s Harmony goal is that nuclear generation should supply 25% of global electricity by 2050, which would require 1000 GWe of new nuclear build by that date.

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The World Nuclear Performance Report 2017 Asia Edition is available as a download from the World Nuclear Association website.

The World Nuclear Association is the industry organisation that represents the global nuclear industry. Its mission is to promote a wider understanding of nuclear energy among key international influencers by producing authoritative information, developing common industry positions, and contributing to the energy debate, as well as to pave the way for expanding nuclear business.

Media Contacts

Jonathan Cobb: +44(0)20 7451 1536
press@world-nuclear.org