Around a dozen countries are expected to start electricity production through nuclear power sources in the coming years, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), said at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris.
To achieve the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and to include additional nuclear energy aspiring countries, it is necessary to double the number of nuclear reactors in the world, Grossi said on November 28. Currently, around 400 nuclear reactors are operating globally.
“We already have 10 countries which have entered the decision phase (to build nuclear power plants) and 17 others which are in the evaluation process,” Grossi said. “There will be a dozen or 13 (new) nuclear countries within a few years,” he added.
The IAEA official cited Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Namibia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan as potential new nuclear countries.
Nuclear Energy expansion in Central Asia
Central Asian countries are particularly considering nuclear power as a dependable and sustainable energy source. The region is increasingly exploring nuclear power’s potential to enhance energy security and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Uzbekistan is gearing up for its inaugural nuclear power plant, while Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy has suggested a possible reintroduction of nuclear energy to diminish dependence on fossil fuels.
Establishing or reviving nuclear programs necessitates strong nuclear law frameworks. The IAEA aids countries in developing these legal structures to bolster the safety and security of their nuclear facilities and materials, enabling peaceful nuclear technology utilization.
To discuss the legislative dimension of the nuclear sector, the IAEA Regional Workshop on Nuclear Law, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, aimed to spotlight the legislative aspects of the nuclear sector and underscore pivotal nuclear law frameworks. With participation from 24 representatives spanning 11 countries — Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — the workshop aimed to discuss and analyze these key frameworks.
“Nuclear energy has the potential to provide a significant contribution to the world’s energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. But it also presents unique legal challenges that need to be addressed. As such, the importance of nuclear law cannot be overemphasized,” said lhom Mirsaidzoda, the Director of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency of Tajikistan.
“Kazakhstan has enjoyed many years of cooperation with the IAEA, including as host of the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank, and this workshop is a great opportunity for us to further gain knowledge and benefit more from the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme to improve our national legal framework further,” said Ms Gulbarshyn Kanagatova, Chief Expert of the Committee of Atomic and Energy Supervision and Control of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Key Facts
According to the IAEA’s latest outlook on the future of nuclear power:
- 412 nuclear power reactors operating in 31 countries make up more than 370 gigawatts of installed capacity.
- These 370 GW provide almost 10% of the world’s total electricity and a quarter of its low-carbon supply.
- Nuclear electricity generating capacity will more than double by 2050.