World Nuclear Performance Report 2016 launch
21 June 2016
Today, World Nuclear Association launches its report providing key metrics on nuclear power plant performance and reviewing recent developments in the global nuclear industry.
Key findings include:
- More nuclear reactors are under construction and more reactors came on line last year than at any time in the last 25 years.
- Nuclear reactor performance has improved steadily over the last 35 years. Importantly, reactor performance is not fundamentally affected by reactor age; older plants operate as well as younger plants.
- Construction times for new reactors have improved over the last 15 years, with reactors coming on line in 2015 having an average construction time of around six years.
Speaking at the launch of the report Agneta Rising said, “This report shows that, despite challenging market conditions in some regions, existing nuclear plant performance is strong and the pace of new build is accelerating.”
Recent years have been some of the most challenging for the global nuclear power plant fleet, but major new build programmes, new technology developments, reactor restarts in Japan and strengthening public support mean prospects for the years ahead are brighter.
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 World Nuclear Association considers that there should be 1000 GWe of new nuclear build by 2050, with nuclear generation supplying 25% of global electricity demand.
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The World Nuclear Performance Report 2016 is available as a pdf download from the World Nuclear Association website - click here
Key graphics from the report are also available from the World Nuclear Association website – click here
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.
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